Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Recipe Introduction: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Are Calling!
Fancy some banging air fryer chicken thighs ? Honestly, who doesn't! This recipe is all about getting seriously crispy skin. And juicy, flavourful chicken. It's like a hug in a meal, innit?
Why You Need This Chicken Thighs Recipe
This isn't just any chicken thighs recipe . It's inspired by Southern comfort food. It's also perfect for a quick and easy weeknight air fryer dinner idea .
It takes about 30- 52 minutes. That's from start to finish, including 10 minutes of prep and roughly 18- 22 minutes of cooking.
It'll feed about four people. So, grab your mates and get cooking!
What Makes These Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Special?
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe are seriously delicious. Not just because they're dead easy to make! Did you know that using an air fryer can reduce fat content by up to 75% compared to deep frying? That's the tea.
These are seasoned to perfection and cooked super fast! These bbq chicken thighs air fryer style is a fantastic twist on a classic, made healthier and quicker.
Plus, these easy air fryer recipes deliver consistent results every time. Perfect for a Sunday roast alternative. Or a quick midweek meal. Basically, any excuse will do.
Ready to grab the ingredients? Let's do this!
What You Need
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs / 900g-1.1kg total weight)
Ingredients & Equipment for Bangin' Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Right, let's talk ingredients. You know, the stuff that actually matters. We're making crispy air fryer chicken thighs that will blow your mind.
Think Nando’s, but better. Seriously. This easy air fryer recipes is dead simple. So lets not be shy!
Main Ingredients
For the chicken, you'll need 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs . That's about 2-2.5 lbs (or 900g-1.1kg ). Make sure they're plump and juicy looking, yeah? Quality chicken is key here.
Plus, you'll need 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) of olive oil, 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) of Dijon mustard, and then some spices.
Also, consider the optional brine. We want 4 cups ( 950 ml ) water, 1/4 cup ( 55 g ) kosher salt, and 1/4 cup ( 50 g ) brown sugar.
Don’t forget 2 smashed garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon peppercorns . Trust me, this makes all the difference with juicy air fryer chicken thighs !
Seasoning Notes
Now for the flavour! You absolutely need 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) of smoked paprika. Trust me, it's magic.
Next, get 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) onion powder.
Plus, 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) of dried thyme and rosemary. A little 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) of cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy.
And of course, 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) of salt and 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) of black pepper.
This combo is unreal for bbq chicken thighs air fryer !
Pro tip: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works just fine. Fancy a lemon herb chicken twist? Add some lemon zest.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah? An air fryer is the obvious one for these air fryer chicken recipes . Plus, you’ll need a few mixing bowls and tongs.
And please , use a meat thermometer. We need to hit 165° F ( 74° C) to make sure the chicken is safe.
Trust me, you don’t want dodgy chicken. If you don't have an air fryer, a fan oven works okay. But it won't be as crispy air fryer chicken thighs recipe
I remember the first time I made this. I totally forgot the garlic powder. Honestly, it was still good. But the next time? Oh my gosh, so much better.
Now, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Time couldn't be better spent!
Cooking Method: Nailing Those Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Right, let's chat about cooking air fryer chicken thighs . Honestly, it's easier than making toast. Forget the faff of deep frying.
We're going for crispy, juicy goodness without the greasy guilt. Think Nando's, but you're the boss.
Prep Steps for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
First things first: mise en place. A fancy French term for getting your act together. Grab your chicken, spices, and a couple of bowls.
Time saving tip: mix all the dry spices in one bowl beforehand. This makes coating the chicken much easier. Remember, wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken.
step-by-step Process for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Alright, here's the lowdown:
- Optional Brine: Submerge chicken thighs. Refrigerate for 30 mins (up to 4 hours).
- Mix your seasonings in a small bowl.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken. Make sure it's nicely coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) . This is important!
- Place the thighs in the air fryer, skin side up.
- Cook for 18- 22 minutes , flipping halfway. Get that skin nice and golden.
- Make sure the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a meat thermometer!
- Let them rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. Important for juiciness!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bbq Chicken Thighs Air Fryer
Want to level up your air fryer chicken thighs game? Pat the chicken really dry before seasoning. It's KEY for crispy skin.
Also, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for even cooking. Common mistake? Not checking the internal temperature.
Trust me, a thermometer is your best friend. You can even prep these ahead! Season the chicken, pop it in the fridge, and cook it later.
Perfect for a busy weeknight. This opens the gates for easy Air Fryer Dinner Ideas . We are going to use this to bake an Easy Air Fryer Recipes book.
And this will definitely be on Air Fryer Chicken Recipes .
Honestly, air fryer chicken thighs bone-in is a game changer.
Recipe Notes for Epic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Alright, before you dive headfirst into making these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe , let's chew the fat about a few things.
It's the little details that elevate this Air Fryer Chicken Recipe from alright to absolutely banging, you know?
Serving Up Some Inspiration
These Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are seriously versatile. For plating, think rustic chic. A wooden board, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and maybe a wedge of lemon. Boom! Presentation sorted.
On the side, you can't go wrong with classics. Mashed potatoes and coleslaw? Always a winner. Feeling a bit posh? Try roasted asparagus or a vibrant quinoa salad.
And a crisp, dry cider? Absolute perfection. Seriously, I’m thinking of doing that!
Cracking the Storage Code
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Fridge wise, these bbq Chicken Thighs Air Fryer will happily hang out for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
For freezing, wrap them individually in cling film and then pop them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating? The air fryer is your best bet! A few minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) should do the trick and revive that crispiness.
Remember to always check the internal temperature is above 165° F ( 74° C) .
Mix It Up, Buttercup!
Fancy a tweak? No worries! For a gluten-free option, double check your spices are certified gluten-free. Easy peasy! For a low-carb version, skip the optional brown sugar in the brine.
When it comes to seasonal swaps, think about using different herbs depending on the time of year. Fresh rosemary in winter, basil in summer.
Or perhaps a lemon and herb riff in spring!
Nutrition Nuggets
Alright, let's get real. Each serving of these Air Fryer Chicken Thighs will clock in around 450 calories, with about 40g of protein.
Hello, gains! And 30g of fat which is still good for you!. It’s a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
Always worth bearing in mind but don’t get too hung up on the numbers!
So there you have it. You're now armed with all the insider info to create some truly amazing Air Fryer Dinner Ideas .
Now go forth and conquer that air fryer! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my air fryer chicken thighs are crispy and not soggy?
The key to perfectly crispy air fryer chicken thighs is all in the prep! First, make sure you pat the chicken skin completely dry with paper towels before adding any seasoning. Think of it like prepping a Sunday roast dry skin is happy skin!
Also, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to allow proper air circulation.
What temperature should my air fryer chicken thighs be cooked at to ensure they are safe to eat?
Safety first, always! Your air fryer chicken thighs need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe for consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. Think of it as your "Get Out of Jail Free" card from salmonella!
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this air fryer recipe? Will the cooking time change?
You can indeed use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but be aware that the cooking time will be significantly reduced, and you won't get that same crispy skin effect. Reduce the cooking time to around 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, and always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
They may also be a bit drier, so consider marinating beforehand.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier. What are the nutritional benefits of air fryer chicken thighs compared to deep fried?
Air frying is a much healthier alternative to deep frying as it uses significantly less oil. Air fryer chicken thighs retain more of their natural nutrients and have fewer calories and fat compared to their deep fried counterparts.
However, remember to always consider your portion sizes; even healthy options should be enjoyed in moderation!
How long can I store leftover air fryer chicken thighs, and what's the best way to reheat them?
Leftover air fryer chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, the air fryer is your best bet to re-crisp the skin! Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the skin won't be as crispy.
Can I marinate the chicken thighs before air frying for extra flavor? What would you recommend?
Absolutely! Marinating is a fantastic way to boost the flavor of your air fryer chicken thighs. A simple brine of salt, sugar, and water for 30 minutes to 4 hours will keep the chicken moist during the cooking process. Otherwise, try a marinade of lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
Just remember to pat them dry before air frying!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbs | 2g |
