Pat boneless chicken thighs with paper towels and drizzle all sides with oil. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
In a medium bowl with whole cranberry sauce, add the brown sugar, orange zest, and pour orange juice, then mix until well-combined.
Place the Air Fryer tray on a baking tray, spread the cranberry mixture over a bed of 2 slices of oranges and a sprig of rosemary on one side and another on the other side of the tray.
Gently lay each seasoned chicken thigh over a bed of cranberry sauce, skin side up and Air Fry for 20 minutes in a preheated Air Fryer at 376°F (191°C) or until the internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C).
If using an Air Fryer with a basket, simply follow the steps from the bed of oranges and add the boneless chicken thighs.
Rest for 5 minutes, transfer to a serving plate, and garnish with a slice of orange and fresh rosemary leaves.
Notes
This Air Fryer recipe uses an Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven. Not all Air Fryers cook the same way. It’s best to keep watch during your initial tests after purchasing.
TIPS:
Use fresh oranges and sprigs of rosemary for the best flavors.
I used store-bought whole cranberry sauce with ruby port, but jellied cranberry sauce or homemade cranberry sauce may be used as well.
Makes 2 servings but serve 1 for a generous dinner.