Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs Weeknight Winner

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs: Weeknight Winner!

Fancy some scrummy chicken? Are you tired of boring dinners? Let's make some air fryer chicken thighs ! This recipe is dead easy and tastes amazing.

Honestly, it's quicker than waiting for a takeaway!

This dish is inspired by classic Southern fried chicken. It is healthier, though. Forget long hours in the kitchen. In less than 30 minutes, you will have perfectly cooked chicken.

These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are juicy and tender.

This recipe is super simple and delicious. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It is inspired by our love of Easy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes Air Fryer style .

The prep time is just 5 minutes, cooking takes 20 to 25 minutes. This recipe makes four servings.

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe

These healthy air fryer chicken thighs are packed with protein. Protein helps you feel full and energised. They are also low in carbs, making them a great option if you are watching your carb intake.

Plus, they're great for quick chicken thigh dinner .

This is perfect for a mid-week meal. You can impress your family or friends without spending hours cooking. What makes this recipe truly special? It's the simplicity and the flavour.

These air-fried boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes deliver the perfect balance.

These bbq chicken thighs air fryer style will be a firm favourite. The magic lies in the spice rub. It transforms simple chicken into a flavour explosion. Let's get to the ingredients!

Ingredients You'll Need for Air Fryer Magic

You'll need the following to make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs : 680g of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. One tablespoon of olive oil is also needed.

Get 5ml each of paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Some thyme and oregano will be important, around 1.25ml of each.

Optionally, 1.25ml of cayenne pepper. Grab 2.5ml of salt and 1.25ml of black pepper.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make these crispy air fryer chicken thighs . Honestly, it's pretty simple. You probably have most of this stuff already.

I'm all about keeping things easy, especially on a weeknight.

Main Players

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680g ): Go for thighs that look plump and juicy. If they're on special, bonus. I once used frozen thighs that were poorly defrosted and the result was not "scrummy" , not good.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml ): Use a decent quality olive oil. It makes a difference.
• 1 teaspoon paprika ( 5ml ): Adds that lovely colour and smoky flavour.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ( 2.5ml ): Because everything is better with garlic.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ( 2.5ml ): Onion powder just rounds out the flavour.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ( 1.25ml ): A bit of earthy goodness.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ( 1.25ml ): Gotta have that Mediterranean touch.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ( 1.25ml ) (optional): For a little kick! I love adding this.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt ( 2.5ml ): Don't be shy. Salt brings out all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25ml ): Freshly ground is best, you know?

Seasoning Sensations

Okay, so this spice mix is the bomb. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder it's the perfect combo! You can easily adjust it.

Want more heat? Add more cayenne! Feel free to tweak it. It's your kitchen, after all. If you're feeling lazy, a store-bought chicken seasoning works too.

Just watch out for the salt.

Kit You'll Need

• Air Fryer : Obviously! I have a drawer full of easy boneless chicken thigh recipes air fryer that I enjoy cooking, and the air fryer is essential.
• Mixing bowl or ziplock bag: For mixing the chicken with the spices.
• Meat thermometer: This is essential . Make sure your chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . I once thought my chicken was done, but it wasn't. Lesson learned.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken.

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs: Weeknight Winner!

Forget slaving over a hot stove! These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs deliver juicy, tender meat. They also give unbelievably crispy skin in under 30 minutes.

Inspired by the Southern love for fried chicken, but with a healthy, modern twist, this recipe is simple and flavourful.

It's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. We're talking Mary Berry levels of "scrummy" but without the fuss. I started making air fryer chicken thighs because frankly, I was bored of boiled chicken.

Prep Steps

Essential mise en place is key. Get everything measured and ready before you start. It will make life so much easier.

Time Saving Tip : Mix all the spices in a small bowl. Have them ready to go! This saves ages when you're in a rush after work.

step-by-step Scrummy Goodness

1. Pat your 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Honestly, this is the most important step for crispy skin!
2. Make the spice rub. Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme, 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano, 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the spice rub. Toss to coat evenly. Make sure every bit of chicken is coated!
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) for 3 minutes.
5. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the basket!
6. Air fry for 10 minutes , then flip the chicken thighs. Cook for another 10- 15 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C).
7. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy!

Pro Tips for Easy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes Air Fryer

For extra crispy air fryer chicken thighs , try this: spritz the chicken with a little bit of oil before the second cook. It will work wonders.

Don't be tempted to crank up the heat. High heat can burn the outside. It leaves the inside undercooked. Keep it at 400° F ( 200° C).

You can prep the chicken in the morning. Just keep it covered in the fridge. This makes for a seriously quick chicken thigh dinner .

Recipe Notes for Your Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Masterpiece

Right then, you've got the basics down. Now let’s chat about how to make these air fryer chicken thighs even better.

It's like adding that extra bit of cheddar to your cheese and crackers. We all like a bit of extras, right?

Serving Like a Pro

Fancy pants plating is totally optional, honestly. But if you want to be a bit posh, try this. Arrange your beautifully crispy air fryer chicken thighs on a plate with some vibrant greens.

A dollop of something creamy like a herbed yogurt can add that extra something special. Or think about serving them with some Bbq chicken thighs air fryer style and some slaw.

Maybe a cold one of your choice or a crisp glass of white. Boom! Sorted!

Storage Superpowers

Got leftovers? Fair play. These air fryer chicken thighs will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop them into an airtight container.

If you are thinking of freezing them, let them cool completely first. Then wrap them well. They'll be grand for up to 2 months.

To reheat from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then crisp them up in the air fryer again for a few minutes.

Variations on a Theme - Adapt and Conquer

Want to mix things up? Of course you do! For a lighter bite, these marinated boneless skinless chicken thighs in air fryer are just a winner.

You could swap the paprika for some smoked paprika. This will give a deeper, smokier flavour. Fancy something else? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

For a healthier version of healthy air fryer chicken thighs , try marinating your chicken with lemon juice, herbs, and spices.

The easy boneless chicken thigh recipes air fryer allows, are endless.

Nutrition Lowdown

Each serving is about 250 calories. You also get a whopping 30 grams of protein. This will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

It's also got around 14 grams of fat and only 2 grams of carbs. They contain 300mg of sodium. Winner winner, quick chicken thigh dinner !

So there you have it. The secret world of air-fried boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes . From presentation tips to sneaky swaps, you're now ready to turn these basic air fryer chicken thighs recipe into something truly spectacular.

Go on, give it a go, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Most importantly, have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my air fryer chicken thighs are crispy and not soggy?

Crispy skin is the holy grail! The key is to pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before adding the spice rub. Also, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches ensures the hot air can circulate properly, leading to maximum crispiness.

Think of it like making toast you wouldn't pile it all in at once!

How long should I cook air fryer chicken thighs, and how do I know when they're done?

Generally, air fryer chicken thighs will take around 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), but it really depends on the size of the thighs and your specific air fryer. The best way to ensure they're cooked through is to use a meat thermometer.

Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C). Safety first, as they say in the Scouts!

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs in this air fryer chicken thighs recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs will take a bit longer to cook, usually around 25-30 minutes. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) near the bone for optimal tenderness and food safety. Bone-in can also add more flavour to the final dish.

What's the best way to store leftover air fryer chicken thighs?

Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Then, place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp the skin, or microwave them if you're in a hurry.

Just be aware microwaving might make them a little less crispy, a bit like chips that have been sat in the paper for too long from the fish and chip shop!

Can I make these air fryer chicken thighs ahead of time?

You sure can! You can marinate the chicken thighs in the spice rub for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to really meld together. When you're ready to cook, just follow the air frying instructions as usual.

It's a great way to get a head start on dinner, like prepping your ingredients for a Sunday roast the day before.