Crispy chicken thighs have long been a comfort food in the United States, especially in Southern cooking. The low‑carb movement adapted the classic fried chicken by using air fryers, which provide the same crunch with far less oil, aligning with modern health‑focused diets.

The recipe eliminates breading and uses only spices and the chicken’s own skin for flavor, keeping net carbs near zero while delivering a satisfying, high‑fat, high‑protein meal that fits keto macros.

Traditional Southern fried chicken and Nashville hot chicken both rely on a crispy skin and bold seasoning. This air‑fryer version mirrors those textures without deep‑frying, making it a healthier cousin to those classics.

Chicken thighs appear at family barbecues, pot‑lucks, Sunday dinners, and game‑day gatherings. Their juicy meat and easy portion size make them a crowd‑pleaser for both casual and holiday meals.

In the South, chicken thighs are often coated in buttermilk and seasoned with cayenne. In the Midwest, a sweet‑savory glaze of honey and mustard is popular. This recipe’s smoked paprika and oregano blend reflects a Midwest‑inspired, smoky flavor profile.

The air fryer uses hot air circulation instead of submerging the meat in oil, drastically cutting calories and fat while still achieving a crunchy exterior. The seasoning is applied directly without a flour coating, keeping the dish grain‑free and keto‑friendly.

Common errors include overcrowding the basket, which steams rather than crisps the skin; not preheating the air fryer; and overcooking, which dries out the meat. Also, failing to check the internal temperature can lead to undercooked chicken.

Cooking skin‑side down first renders the fat and creates a dry, crisp surface. Flipping later ensures the opposite side also cooks through while preserving the already‑crisped skin, resulting in evenly browned thighs.

Insert an instant‑read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The reading must reach at least 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden‑brown and the meat should feel firm but still juicy.

The YouTube channel Low Carb Recipes with Jennifer focuses on low‑carb, keto, and paleo meals that are quick, easy, and family‑friendly. Jennifer shares step‑by‑step tutorials, meal‑prep ideas, and tips for using kitchen gadgets like air fryers.

Jennifer emphasizes whole‑food ingredients, minimal processed additives, and practical kitchen tools that home cooks already own. Her videos often feature “one‑pan” or “one‑bowl” methods, making low‑carb cooking accessible without specialized equipment.