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
Scale
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
