Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Seasoning Recipe
Introduction
Air-fried chicken thighs are a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful poultry without the extra oil of traditional frying. This method delivers tender meat with perfectly crisp skin, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large or 8 small chicken thighs, skin on
- 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- Seasoning of choice: salt and pepper, or ½-1 tsp smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss the chicken thighs in the oil, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Step 2: Mix the plain flour with your chosen seasoning, then gently toss the chicken thighs in the flour mixture until lightly coated. For a thicker coating, double the amount of flour and seasoning.
- Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the tray of an air fryer without a paddle.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 35 minutes. Check doneness by pulling the flesh away from the bone on the underside of one thigh; it should come away easily with no pink remaining.
- Step 5: If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully cooked and skin is bubbled and crisped.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken promptly to prevent the skin from softening due to steam. Discard any excess fat collected at the base of the fryer.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before tossing it in oil and flour.
- Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika or curry powder for unique flavors.
- Using skin-on thighs is crucial for achieving that crispy skin texture.
Storage
Store leftover air-fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy skin.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may cook faster and could dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and consider marinating to keep them moist.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is not essential but can help start the cooking process immediately for crispier skin. Refer to your air fryer’s manual for best practice.
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Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Seasoning Recipe
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy air-fried chicken recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat using a simple flour and seasoning coating. Chicken thighs are tossed in oil and a flavored flour mix, then cooked in an air fryer for a healthier twist on classic fried chicken without the mess or added fat of deep frying.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 large or 8 small chicken thighs, skin on
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- Seasoning of choice – salt and pepper or ½-1 tsp of smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Toss the chicken thighs in the oil, making sure each piece is well-coated to help the flour and seasoning adhere better.
- Mix the coating: Combine the plain flour with your chosen seasoning. Toss the oiled chicken thighs in this mixture lightly for a thin coating. For a thicker crust, you can double the flour and seasoning quantities.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer on the air fryer tray, ensuring they are spaced out without overlapping for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry the thighs at the preset temperature for 35 minutes. Check doneness by pulling the flesh on the underside from the bone; it should separate easily with no pink remaining. If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Finish and serve: The skin should be bubbled and crispy, and excess fat will have dripped into the fryer base. Discard any collected fat and avoid leaving the chicken inside the fryer to prevent the skin from softening due to steam.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for juicier meat and crispier skin.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; a mix of spices like smoky BBQ or garam masala work great.
- Ensure the thighs are spaced apart in the air fryer for even crisping.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer tray to maintain crispiness.
- Discard rendered fat after cooking to keep the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: air fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, healthy fried chicken, easy chicken recipe, air fryer chicken
