Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These crunchy chicken strips are bursting with flavor, remarkably tender, and incredibly simple to prepare. Crafted to become a staple for effortless and speedy weeknight meals.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed Variations To make mouthwatering air fryer chicken thighs, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Rinse four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper. In a small bowl, mix together one tablespoon olive oil, one minced clove of garlic, one teaspoon dried thyme and half teaspoon lemon zest. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook the chicken for 20-22 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Brittany’s Tips!How to Serve How to Store Leftovers Frequently Asked Questions More Air Fryer Recipes

With their crispy exteriors and succulent interiors, these air-fried chicken thighs revolutionize the way you experience poultry. With its exceptional aerodynamics, the air fryer masterfully achieves a crispy, golden-brown crust while preserving the succulence within; meanwhile, the bold, smoky seasoning elevates this dish to unprecedented heights of flavor. With its bold flavour and effortless preparation, this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my culinary arsenal.

Here’s a recipe for air fryer chicken tenders that your family will love:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With the air fryer, cooking chicken thighs results in a significantly reduced mess compared to traditional stovetop or oven techniques. A convenient, grease-free experience!
Without requiring excessive oil, you’ll achieve that coveted crispy skin, rendering this a lighter yet still indulgently flavorful alternative.
The subtle, smoky flavour is delightfully balanced, pleasing palates of all ages.
These chicken thighs prove to be incredibly convenient, as they retain their quality and heat evenly when refrigerated or reheated, making them an ideal choice for meal prep on hectic weekdays.

Ingredients Needed

Bone-in, skin-on thighs take center stage in this recipe. The skin crisps to perfection, while the meat remains delightfully succulent. Trust me, they’re irresistible!
– enables the seasonings to adhere and yields a sumptuous, sun-kissed crust on the skin.
because who doesn’t love a flavor boost from a pinch of garlic?
Sweet or smoked paprika infuses dishes with a subtle yet alluring smokiness, also lending a striking red tint to the culinary creation.
Adding a touch of subtlety yet crucial for an added depth of flavour.
And these dried herbs infuse the seasoning blend with a subtle yet profound earthy depth, elevating its overall flavor profile.
– don’t underestimate the basics! These spices bring out all the rich and diverse flavors.
Totally optional, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a burst of flavor, a pinch of cayenne pepper can give this dish an incredible boost.

Variations

Consider swapping the traditional pairing of oregano and thyme with the bold flavor of Italian seasoning, or add a pop of freshness by sprinkling rosemary and parsley on top once cooked.
As the chicken nears its finale, a judicious squeeze of freshly extracted lemon juice injects a vibrant, zesty quality that harmonizes exquisitely with the aromatic garlic and smoky paprika.
Infuse your dish with a deep smokiness by substituting the traditional paprika with a rich smoky BBQ seasoning blend, then complement it with the crispy sweetness of air-fried sweet potato fries, creating a straightforward yet mouthwatering BBQ-inspired meal.

To make mouthwatering air fryer chicken thighs, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Rinse four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

In a small bowl, mix together one tablespoon olive oil, one minced clove of garlic, one teaspoon dried thyme and half teaspoon lemon zest. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook the chicken for 20-22 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Blend together an assortment of seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel.

Dry pat chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. Drizzle oil over chicken thighs.

Combine the chicken with the seasonings and gently toss to ensure even coating, utilizing your hands to massage the flavors into the poultry.

With the air fryer preheated, place chicken thighs in a single layer within the basket, ensuring the skin side faces downwards. Ideally, chicken thighs are spaced apart to ensure even cooking and crisp browning. If necessary, consider cooking them in batches to ensure optimal results. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, flip, and then cook for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and crisped. Allow the chicken to rest in a warm place for 5 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy!

Brittany’s Tips!

Don’t skip this step! Dry skin = crispy skin. Utilize paper towels to efficiently absorb and remove any lingering moisture from the surface prior to seasoning.
Massage the seasonings firmly beneath the chicken’s skin to unlock a depth of flavor.
Provide adequate space for your chicken’s thighs to unfold and relax. If potatoes are packed too tightly, they’ll likely produce steam rather than achieving a crispy texture. Cook in batches as necessary; your perseverance will ultimately pay off with a satisfying culinary outcome.
Following cooking, allow the chicken thighs to rest for approximately five minutes. The tenderized meat retains its natural flavors and moisture levels, ensuring each morsel is bursting with juiciness.

How to Serve

With its versatility and delectable taste, this air fryer recipe shines, yielding succulent chicken that’s perfect for an array of culinary applications. Here’s a quick guide to effortless weeknight dinners and meal prep solutions that’ll make your life easier.

How to Store Leftovers

Air-fried chicken thighs make an ideal meal prep choice, as they retain their quality when stored in both the refrigerator and freezer with ease.

Prepare the chicken according to the recipe’s instructions, allow it to cool briefly before transferring it to a securely sealed container for storage. The shelf life of this item is typically three to four days when stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken to a warm temperature by placing it in an oven preheated to 350°F or using an air fryer set at the same heat.
When freezing cooked chicken, consider portioning it beforehand and storing each serving in separate containers or ziplock bags. This convenient approach allows you to thaw only what you need, rather than having to defrost an entire batch at once! Even better? Chop or shred meat before freezing to facilitate faster defrosting. Will frozen chicken retain its quality and safety for up to three months? Before cooking with your freezer air fryer chicken, ensure you plan ahead by refrigerating it for approximately 24 hours prior to desired consumption, allowing sufficient time for thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, boneless chicken thighs are a suitable alternative to bone-in thighs, although they might cook more quickly due to their reduced thickness. Ensure you regularly monitor their temperature internally to reach a precise minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Who knew that no one would want to take a bite out of your words, so I’ll help you with that? The skin adds an incredible crunch! If you opt for skinless thighs, the recipe remains unaffected; however, they won’t possess the same level of crispiness.

You can successfully bake the chicken thighs in the oven by preheating to 375°F (190°C), seasoning with your preferred herbs and spices, and cooking for approximately 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked and crispy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the item to be baked on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet. Allow it to cook for approximately 35-40 minutes, flipping midway through the cooking time.