Name: Instant Pot Recipes Air Fryer Chicken You’ll Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or drumsticks); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

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I’ll be honest, I used to think that Instant Pot recipes and air fryer recipes lived in two separate universes, but then I discovered the magic of combining the two. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is like a little cheat code for weeknight dinners. You get tender chicken on the inside, golden crisp on the outside, and none of that heavy, greasy mess. This air fryer chicken recipe brings together the comfort of chicken instant pot recipes with the crunch we all secretly crave. Whether you’ve been scrolling for chicken air fryer recipes or landed here after hunting for air fryer recipes chicken, you’ve found the sweet spot. I’ve tested this more times than I’ll admit, and every single time, it’s the kind of meal that gets devoured faster than you can say pass the napkins. If you’re anything like me, you want simple air fryer recipes that don’t take forever and don’t require a culinary degree. This recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it actually feels doable after a long day. So grab your Instant Pot, pop on that air fryer lid, and let’s make chicken that tastes like it belongs in your weekly rotation.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken
4) How to Make Air Fryer Chicken
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken
6) Making Air Fryer Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Air Fryer Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Air fryer chicken gives you crispy skin without deep frying
Using the Instant Pot air fryer lid makes cooking easier
Seasoning mix is simple and pantry friendly
Pairs well with salads, rice, or roasted vegetables

2) Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe

I used to think making chicken at home meant a greasy mess or waiting forever for the oven to do its job. Then I tried Instant Pot recipes with the air fryer lid and suddenly weeknight dinners felt less stressful. This air fryer chicken gives you juicy meat and crisp skin with little effort.

It helps that the ingredient list stays short. Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano are all things most of us have on hand. Mix them, rub them on the chicken, and let the Instant Pot do its thing.

The result feels like something you’d order at a favorite local spot, but without leaving home. Recipes like this remind me that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. We just need good flavors, the right tools, and a little patience while the kitchen fills with that amazing roasted aroma.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken

Chicken Thighs: I like bone-in thighs since the flavor is richer and the meat stays juicy. You can swap in drumsticks or wings if that’s what you prefer.

Olive Oil: A drizzle gives the seasoning something to cling to and helps the skin crisp as it cooks. It also brings a mellow richness to the flavor.

Garlic Powder: Simple but effective. It brings that warm, savory kick that works so well with chicken.

Onion Powder: Onion powder balances the garlic, rounding out the seasoning mix so the flavor doesn’t feel one note.

Smoked Paprika: This adds color and a smoky hint that makes the chicken taste like it spent time on a grill.

Dried Oregano: A touch of oregano lifts the mix with a gentle herbal note, keeping things interesting.

Salt and Pepper: Classic, but without them, the seasoning would feel flat. Season with your instincts.

Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving cuts through the richness and brightens every bite.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Chicken

Step 1. Dry the chicken well with paper towels. Rubbing it with olive oil helps the spices stick and keeps the skin crisp.

Step 2. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly so every piece tastes flavorful.

Step 3. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot with the air fryer lid set in place. This tool makes cooking both quick and efficient.

Step 4. Set the air fryer function to 375°F. Cook the chicken for about 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Step 5. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. When it reaches 165°F, it’s ready. Serve right away with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning makes a noticeable difference. The drier the skin, the better the crunch. Don’t skip this step even if you feel tempted to rush.

Use an Instant Pot air fryer lid if you have one. It combines the speed of pressure cooking with the crisp finish of air frying, which is why Instant Pot recipes are such time savers.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A touch more paprika adds smokiness. More oregano gives a stronger herbal note. Cooking is personal, and these small tweaks make the recipe yours.

6) Making Air Fryer Chicken Ahead of Time

I sometimes make this chicken in the morning and keep it ready for dinner. If you do the same, don’t worry. The flavor holds well and the texture stays crisp if you store it correctly.

After cooking, let the chicken cool fully before sealing it in a container. If you trap steam inside, the skin loses its crunch.

When reheating, pop the chicken back into the air fryer for a few minutes instead of using the microwave. It brings back that crispy bite we all love. Instant Pot recipes really shine when they save both cooking and reheating time.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken

Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge if stored in a tight container. I like to use glass containers since they don’t hold onto smells.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken pieces. Wrap them tightly, then place them in freezer bags. They’ll last for a couple of months this way.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat them up in the air fryer. It’s the easiest way to get back that satisfying crunch without fuss.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Air Fryer Chicken