Air fryer chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make, wonderfully juicy, and boast a crispy skin that will have everyone reaching for seconds. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make perfect air fryer chicken thighs. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you achieve the best results every time.
Ⅰ. Time Overview:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ⅱ. Ingredients Needed:
To make the best air fryer chicken thighs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in chicken thighs helps in achieving the juiciest and most flavorful meat. While boneless thighs cook faster, they tend to be less juicy. Skinless thighs also dry out more quickly and lack the crispy skin.
- Seasoning: You can use any seasoning mix you prefer, but today we will use a simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cornstarch: This helps in making the skin extra crispy and delicious!
- Cooking Oil: Just a small amount is needed for the air fryer. The oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and contributes to the crispy skin.
Ⅲ. Detailed Cooking Steps:
1.Dry the Chicken Thighs:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy skin. Removing excess moisture allows the seasoning to stick better and helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
2.Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mix and stir well.
3.Coat the Chicken:
Lightly coat the chicken thighs with a bit of cooking oil. This can be done using a brush or by rubbing the oil into the skin with your hands. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help to create a flavorful crust.
4.Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken thighs start cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to even cooking and a crispy skin.
5.Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 15 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6.Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Ⅳ. Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
Air fryer chicken thighs offer numerous benefits that make them a go-to dish for many:
1.Juicy and Flavorful Meat:
The meat is incredibly juicy and flavorful, more so than you might expect from chicken thighs. The bone-in and skin-on preparation helps to retain moisture and flavor.
2.Perfect Seasoning:
The seasoning blend provides a smoky, complex flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. The combination of spices enhances the natural taste of the chicken without overwhelming it.
3.Crispy Skin:
The skin becomes so crispy that even those who typically avoid chicken skin (like me) will find it irresistible. The cornstarch and oil work together to create a satisfying crunch.
Ⅴ. Conclusion
Air fryer chicken thighs are a fantastic option for a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crispy skin. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.