Description
Buffalo chicken thighs with super crispy skin and a little heat from buffalo sauce. These are easy to make in the air fryer or oven and are perfect for a keto or low-carb diet—just 1g net carbs per serving. Juicy, flavorful, and satisfying, this is a healthy recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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¼ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Spice Rub:
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon onion powder
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⅛ teaspoon black pepper
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⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer or oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp up.
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Mix all the spice rub ingredients in a small bowl.
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Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, covering all sides.
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Air Fryer Instructions:
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Place chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes.
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Flip the chicken to skin-side up and cook for another 12–14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
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Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce or drizzle sauce on top before serving.
Oven Instructions:
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Arrange chicken skin-side up on a lined baking sheet or oven-safe rack over a baking pan.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.
Note: Do not flip—keeping the skin side up ensures it crisps properly. -
Toss or drizzle with buffalo sauce before serving.
Notes
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Crispiness Tip: Baking powder in the spice rub helps dry the skin for a crispier finish—don’t skip it.
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Buffalo Sauce: You can use classic buffalo sauce or mix hot sauce with melted butter for a DIY version.
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Serving Ideas: Serve with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.