Crispy Keto Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Paprika Rub

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Golden, juicy chicken thighs with a smoky-sweet spice crust, perfect for high-protein keto meals that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. This American-inspired air-fryer recipe (keto, high-protein), ready in about 39 minutes, pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, garlic powder, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 24 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1.5 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Toss the seasoned thighs with 1.5 tbsp olive oil until fully coated, ensuring the skin is lightly oiled for crispiness.
  3. Step 3: Place thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for even airflow.
  4. Step 4: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 22-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the skin is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a plate and drizzle with 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, letting it melt slightly into the hot chicken for a tangy finish.

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