Air Fryer Caribbean Rubbed Chicken Thighs
Description
Juicy, crispy Air Fryer Caribbean Rubbed Chicken Thighs coated in a bold warm-spice rub — an easy, gluten-free weeknight dinner ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in
Caribbean Seasoning Rub
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Olive oil spray, for crisping
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, white pepper, thyme, and basil.
- Rub the seasoning all over the chicken — both the front and back.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, spray the chicken generously with olive oil and air fry for another 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F at the thickest part before removing.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
- Meat Thermometer
Notes
- Boneless thighs cook faster — start checking around the 18-minute mark.
- For deeper flavor, season and rest the chicken 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) before cooking.
- Oven method: Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 19gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 1251mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 1011IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg