Fancy a delicious and easy dinner that you can make in the air fryer? Look no further than this delicious Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe. With a base spice recipe plus four additional flavor options, like classic lemon pepper and savory teriyaki sauce, this recipe is perfect for everyone. Experiment with different flavor options and enjoy a new taste with every preparation.
An air fryer is a handy kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot air that circulates around the food. This cooking method is perfect for chicken thighs as it turns them crispy and golden on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. It also preheats much faster than an oven, uses less energy and, thanks to its compact size, doesn’t take up too much space in your kitchen.
The spice options are endless, and you can use the base recipe and tweak the spices to your liking. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand to enhance the flavor. The recipe uses bone-in and skinless chicken thighs, which give you the best crispy skin, but it can also be made with skinless chicken thighs.
Using skinless chicken drumsticks
If you prefer to use skinless chicken thighs, you can still use the same ingredients, including the oil. You just rub it directly onto the meat and not the skin. Skin is either loved or hated, and both have pros and cons. Cooking skinless chicken thighs gives a slightly different texture but is still delicious and flavorful. It’s also a great option for those looking for a leaner source of protein. Just follow the recipe as directed, but rub your oil and spices directly onto the meat, not the skin.
Tips for Success
- Be sure to preheat the hot air fryer for at least 5 minutes before adding the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is reaching the safe internal temperature of 165-175 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Experiment with different temperatures and times: Different air fryers can vary in temperature and timing, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly. Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks and adjust the temperature and timing as needed.
- Generously season the chicken: Be sure to use enough spices to add plenty of flavor to the chicken. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking or use the additional flavor options provided in the recipe.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat: If you want to avoid sticking and make cleanup a breeze, use parchment paper or a silicone mat to line the air fryer basket.
- Do not overfill the basket: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets the perfect crispy texture, make sure the basket isn’t overcrowded. If necessary, cook the chicken in portions.
- Let the chicken rest before serving: When the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken becomes even juicier and tastier.
frequently asked Questions
The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the chicken and the degree of doneness desired. In general, you should cook bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165-175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken before cooking. Marinating the chicken adds extra flavor and tenderness to the meat. You can use any marinade you like and let the chicken soak in it for 2-3 hours before cooking.
The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165-175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage and reheating instructions
This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overheat and dry out the chicken.
If you like this recipe, you might be interested in these other delicious chicken air fryer recipes:
Fancy a delicious and easy dinner that you can make in the air fryer? Look no further than this delicious Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe. With a base spice recipe plus four additional flavor options, like classic lemon pepper and savory teriyaki sauce, this recipe is perfect for everyone. Experiment with different flavor options and enjoy a new taste with every preparation.
Ingredients
- 6 Bone Chicken thighs with skin
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 minutes.
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Trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs and place skin-side up in a large bowl.
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Drizzle the chicken skin with olive oil and rub evenly.
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In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to work some of the spice mix under the skin.
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Roast the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165-175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remarks
Sauce and spice variations
Teriyaki sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Stir in 1 cup water, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 clove minced garlic.
- Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for 2-3 hours before cooking in the air fryer as directed.
Easy BBQ Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 3 cloves of minced garlic.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Lightly salt and pepper the chicken thighs and baste with barbecue sauce before cooking in the air fryer as directed.
salt and vinegar
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups distilled white vinegar, 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until dissolved.
- Add the raw chicken thighs, making sure they’re fully submerged.
- Leave in the fridge for 2 hours. Pat dry and sprinkle lightly with salt before cooking in the air fryer as directed.
lemon pepper:
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon pepper.
- Brush the chicken thighs with the mixture before cooking in the air fryer as directed.
Portion: 1chicken thighs | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 1G | Protein: 19G | Fat: 24G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 6G | Polyunsaturated fat: 4G | Monounsaturated fatty acids: 11G | Trans fats: 1G | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 282mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 1G | Sugar: 1G | Vitamin A: 424ie | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
