Air Fryer Paprika Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe turns out every single time. The chicken comes out juicy and tender, infused with smoky paprika and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes, while the potatoes become perfectly crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. It’s such an easy, no-fuss dish that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how well the air fryer handled both the chicken and potatoes together, saving me time and cleanup. If you’re looking for a flavorful meal that practically cooks itself and delivers on texture and taste, you’ll find that this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe is a total winner in your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe come together to create a balanced, flavorful meal. Choosing fresh herbs and good-quality oils really elevates the taste, so I always recommend picking the best you can find.

• Chicken thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and crispiness.
• Smoked paprika: This is the star spice—adds a wonderful smoky depth.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a touch to give the chicken a mild heat — adjust to your spice preference.
• Dried parsley: Adds a mild herbaceous note to balance the spices.
• Fresh thyme: Both the chicken and potatoes benefit from its earthy aroma.
• Garlic powder: Complemented by fresh garlic cloves to double down on that savory punch.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor.
• Lemon juice: Brightens and tenderizes the chicken wonderfully.
• Olive oil & avocado oil: Using both helps with flavor and achieving perfect crispiness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
• Yellow potatoes: Their creamy texture and mild flavor pair perfectly with the chicken.
• Garlic salt: For seasoning the potatoes without overpowering them.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to adjust the spices or swap out ingredients to match your tastes—this dish is super forgiving and versatile.

• Spice it up: Once, I added smoked cayenne and cumin for a smoky, spicy twist my family couldn’t get enough of.
• Herb swaps: If fresh thyme isn’t around, rosemary or oregano work great in both the chicken and potatoes.
• Potato alternatives: Sweet potatoes or baby red potatoes can be swapped in for a different texture and slightly sweeter flavor.
• Make it lighter: Use skinless chicken thighs and reduce oil if you prefer lower fat but still want great flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Paprika Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by rubbing the chicken thighs with lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, fresh thyme, garlic powder, minced garlic, olive oil, avocado oil, salt, and black pepper. I like to massage the marinade right into the skin and under it a bit. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to an hour—this really lets those flavors soak in and tenderizes the meat. If you’re short on time, just proceed straight away; the air fryer does a great job regardless.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your yellow potatoes and cut them into chunks or quarters depending on their size. Toss them with avocado oil, garlic salt, and fresh thyme leaves. Then, place them evenly in the bottom of your air fryer basket. This separation helps the potatoes get that perfect crispy edge while cooking without steaming.

Step 3: Layer and Air Fry

Lay the marinated chicken thighs skin side down on top of the potatoes. This setup lets the chicken juices drip down and flavor the potatoes as they cook. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, carefully flip the chicken so the skin faces up, lower the temperature to 360°F, and cook for another 10 minutes. This two-step temperature process helps crisp the skin while ensuring the inside stays juicy.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Potatoes (Optional but Worth It!)

After removing the chicken, if you want potato perfection, pop the potatoes back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This little extra crisp-up step is my secret to potatoes with a golden, crunchy crust without drying them out. Trust me, your family will rave about these potatoes!

How to Serve Air Fryer Paprika Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra thyme leaves to brighten the plate. A light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a fresh zing that really elevates the smoky paprika flavors.

Side Dishes

Since the potatoes are part of the recipe itself, adding a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly. For something heartier, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of garlic complement this meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this on a wooden board with the chicken arranged neatly on top of the potatoes, adding lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a rustic chic look. It’s a great way to turn a simple recipe into a centerpiece that impresses without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping the chicken and potatoes together to reheat easily. The key is to cool them completely before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If I need to freeze this dish, I separate the chicken and potatoes onto parchment-lined trays to freeze individually first, then transfer to freezer bags. This helps keep the crispy texture somewhat intact after reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers and keep that crispy delicious texture is popping them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Just watch closely so the chicken doesn’t dry out. Microwave works in a pinch but air fryer is king for texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I love how this Air Fryer Paprika Chicken with Crispy Potatoes Recipe makes me feel like I’m serving up something special without slaving over the stove. It’s my go-to when I want a comforting meal that still feels fresh and exciting. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does – it’s the kind of recipe that turns dinner into a little celebration, any night of the week.

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