Oh, the joy of discovering culinary shortcuts—like stumbling upon an unexpected treasure, right in your own kitchen. These easy air fryer chicken thighs, crisped to perfection, are a testament to modern convenience meeting mouth-watering nostalgia. It’s like finding your favorite childhood snack in a space-age package; familiar, yet astonishingly fresh.
Steps
- Begin by squeezing the juice from half a lemon over the chicken thighs. Then, evenly coat the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and dried herbs, rubbing the spices into the skin.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, flip the thighs over and continue cooking for another 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
- If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, ensuring even cooking. Once done, serve the crispy chicken hot with your choice of sides.
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken thighs, skin on
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Sweet paprika
- Dried herbs, such as herbs de Provence
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1278 kcal | Carbohydrates: 9 g | Protein: 96 g | Fat: 93 g | Saturated Fat: 24 g | Sodium: 1578 mg
FAQ
- Are chicken thighs a healthy option?
- Chicken thighs do contain more fat and calories compared to chicken breasts, but they remain a nutritious choice as they are rich in protein and other nutrients. Additionally, they are often considered more flavorful. Removing the skin can reduce calorie intake, and using an air fryer, which requires minimal oil, is a healthy cooking method.
- How do I prepare Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
- Start by squeezing lemon juice over the chicken thighs. Then, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, sweet paprika, and dried herbs. Rub the spices into the meat. Cook the thighs in the air fryer at 400°F for 24 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- What can I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
- These chicken thighs pair well with a large green salad and a side vegetable such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. Other great options include a quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta.
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but you will need to decrease the cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- How many people can this recipe serve?
- This recipe can serve between 3 to 6 people, depending on the number of thighs each person desires.
Tips
- Adjust Cooking Time for Boneless Thighs: If you choose boneless chicken thighs, remember to reduce the cooking time as they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Cook in Batches: To ensure even cooking and crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If all the chicken thighs don’t fit, cook them in batches for the best results.
- Enhance Flavor with Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile of the chicken thighs. This recipe is versatile, so try adding your favorite spice blends.
- Healthier Option by Removing Skin: For a lower-calorie option, consider removing the skin after cooking. The chicken thighs will still remain juicy and flavorful, especially when cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
