Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Thighs by The Golden Balance

Ingredients

• 4 Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 1/2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• to taste Salt
• as needed Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Favorite barbecue rub
• 1-2 tbsp Water

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well mixed to create your flour rub.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season each chicken thigh generously with salt on all sides, ensuring it gets into every crevice.
3. Liberally rub the prepared flour mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring both sides are fully coated. This mixture helps create a crispy skin.
4. Lightly spray the non-skin side of each chicken thigh with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps ensure even browning.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in your air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket for optimal crispiness. Give the skin side one last light spray with cooking spray.
6. Close the air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 22 minutes, without preheating, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the dipping sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt (or light mayonnaise), and barbecue rub. Stir well.
8. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the dipping sauce, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. This adds volume and makes it easier for dipping.
9. Carefully remove the crispy chicken thighs from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving with the prepared dipping sauce.