A good Cajun rub — smoky paprika, garlic, oregano, cayenne — turns plain chicken into something special, with a deep, almost blackened crust. The air fryer nails it in under 20 minutes. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make Cajun chicken in an air fryer?
A: Rub chicken with Cajun spice and oil, then air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 16–20 minutes, to 74°C.
Q: Breast or thighs?
A: Either — breast for lean, thighs for extra juicy.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Breast | 200°C / 400°F | 16–18 min |
| Thighs | 200°C / 400°F | 18–20 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or 8 thighs
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp oil
- Lemon
Method
- Rub chicken with oil and Cajun spice.
- Air fry at 200°C for 16–20 minutes.
- Turn once for an even crust.
- Check 74°C; finish with lemon.
Tips
- Oil helps the rub stick and blacken.
- Adjust the cayenne to your heat level.
- Rest briefly so the juices settle.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make Cajun chicken in an air fryer?
Rub chicken with oil and Cajun seasoning, then air fry at 200°C for 16–20 minutes to 74°C, turning once for an even, blackened crust.
What's in Cajun seasoning?
Smoked paprika, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, black pepper and cayenne — smoky, herby and as spicy as you like.
Breast or thighs for Cajun chicken?
Breast keeps it lean and high-protein; thighs stay extra juicy. Both take the rub beautifully.