Air Fryer Chicken and Chorizo Paella with Saffron Rice

Name: Air Fryer Chicken and Chorizo Paella with Saffron Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Arborio rice; 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup chorizo sausage, sliced; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/4 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup frozen peas; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; olive oil, small amount

This Spanish-inspired paella combines tender chicken thighs, savory chorizo sausage, and aromatic saffron-infused Arborio rice, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The bell peppers add sweetness and color while the air fryer creates that coveted crispy bottom layer called socarrat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want the flavors of traditional paella without the specialized equipment. The compact cooking method concentrates the flavors beautifully, making this a satisfying one-pan meal that serves as an impressive centerpiece for small gatherings.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Level: medium
Cuisine: American

No ratings yet — be the first

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings

½ cup Arborio rice
short-grain rice1:1
any paella-suitable variety
Full guide →
2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup chorizo sausage, sliced
vegan chorizo1:1vegetarian
for vegetarian option
Full guide →
½ small onion, finely chopped
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon saffron threads(optional)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
vegetable broth1:1vegetarian
use with vegan chorizo
Full guide →
¼ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup frozen peas
1 lemon, cut into wedges
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
olive oil, small amount

Method

11 steps

1
Combine saffron threads with 1 tablespoon hot water and set aside to steep
2
Preheat air fryer to 350°F
3
Heat olive oil in oven-safe pan that fits air fryer basket
4
Cook onion and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until softening
5
Add garlic, chicken pieces, and chorizo, cook 2-3 minutes until chicken browns
6
Stir in rice and smoked paprika until well-coated
7
Pour in saffron liquid, broth, and tomatoes, stir to combine
8
Place pan in air fryer basket ensuring it's level with expansion space
9
Air fry for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed
10
Add frozen peas on top and steam for a few minutes
11
Serve hot with lemon wedges and season with salt and pepper

Tips

Tip 1

Use an oven-safe pan that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket with room for expansion during cooking.

Tip 2

Check and stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even doneness throughout.

Tip 3

Let the saffron steep in hot water for maximum flavor and color development in the final dish.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in covered container.

Make Ahead

Can prep vegetables and measure ingredients 1 day ahead.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot with lemon wedges for squeezing.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip preheating the air fryer to avoid uneven cooking

Watch

Use oven-safe cookware to prevent melting in the air fryer

Substitutions

chorizo→

vegan chorizo1:1vegetarian

for vegetarian option

Full guide →

chicken broth→

vegetable broth1:1vegetarian

use with vegan chorizo

Full guide →

Arborio rice→

short-grain rice1:1

any paella-suitable variety

Full guide →

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without saffron?

Yes, the paella will still be delicious without saffron, though it won't have the traditional golden color and subtle floral flavor.

What if my air fryer basket is too small?

Halve the recipe or cook in batches. The pan must fit comfortably with space above for proper air circulation.

How long will leftovers keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for best texture.