Experience the perfect combination of crispy exteriors and juicy interiors with these air fryer chicken thighs, ready in a mere 12 minutes and fully customizable to suit your preferences. When it comes to air fryer recipes, chicken dishes consistently deliver delightful results.
While our family often enjoys air fryer chicken breast and tenderloins, when we crave the rich flavors of dark meat, nothing beats this air fryer chicken thigh recipe. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, these chicken thighs are ready in under 15 minutes, with a cooking time of less than 12 minutes.
- No Marination Required: Just like baked chicken thighs, these don’t need any marinating time.
- Crispy and Juicy: A special technique ensures the chicken becomes crispy on the outside while remaining succulent on the inside.
- Customizable: Tailor the recipe to your taste by choosing your preferred oil, seasonings, spices, and sauces.
This dish’s simplicity and deliciousness are what make it truly appealing. We enjoy these thighs as they are, often pairing them with green beans and baked potatoes for a well-rounded dinner.
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs: Opt for bone-in thighs with skin for a juicier outcome. Boneless, skinless thighs can also be used if you don’t mind skipping the crispy skin.
- Olive oil: A flavorful and robust choice for added taste. Other oils are suitable as well.
- Seasonings: Keep it simple with a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. This combination allows the natural flavors of the chicken thighs to shine.
Making crispy chicken thighs in the air fryer is a breeze:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and ensure the vents are clear of crumbs or debris.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then rub it with oil and seasonings.
- Air fry the chicken thighs for 12-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Serve when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips for the best results:
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy exterior and lock in the juices.
- Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it can lead to longer cooking times and a less desirable texture.
- Choose chicken thighs of similar sizes to ensure uniform cooking.
Get creative with flavor variations:
- Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chili powder.
- Experiment with different sauces like eel sauce, katsu sauce, or bulgogi sauce for an Asian twist.
- For a healthier option, skip the oil entirely and air fry the chicken as is.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled chicken in a ziplock bag for up to three months. Thaw it before reheating in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.
FAQs:
- Avoid stacking chicken thighs in the air fryer; leave space for air circulation.
- You can use fresh or frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer.
- The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer typically ranges from 12-14 minutes for 6-ounce thighs, with adjustments for larger or smaller cuts.
- Fully cooked chicken thighs have an internal temperature of 165°F.
