Let me tell you, the magic that happens in an air fryer is nothing short of culinary alchemy—especially when it comes to chicken thighs. I stumbled upon this recipe during a late-night TikTok binge, and the results were a revelation: perfectly crispy skin with juicy, tender meat. It’s like a little piece of kitchen wizardry that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.
Steps
- Begin by squeezing the juice from half a lemon over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and dried herbs like herbs de Provence, then rub the spices into the meat.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the air fryer basket with the skin side facing down.
- Cook the chicken thighs for 12 minutes. Flip them over and continue cooking for another 12 minutes, or until they are golden, crispy, and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If your air fryer cannot accommodate all the thighs at once, cook them in batches. Once cooked, serve the chicken thighs with a side salad or your choice of vegetables.
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken thighs with skin (quantity suited for 3 to 6 servings)
- Juice from half a lemon
- Salt
- 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 | Fiber: N/A | Sugar: N/A
FAQ
- Are chicken thighs a healthy option?
- Yes, chicken thighs are a nutritious choice, even though they have more fat and calories than chicken breasts. They are rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Cooking them in an air fryer is a healthy method as it requires minimal or no oil.
- How do I season the chicken thighs?
- Start by squeezing the juice of half a lemon over the thighs. Then, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and herbs like herbs de Provence. Rub the spices into the chicken to ensure even seasoning.
- What should I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
- These chicken thighs pair well with a large green salad and a side of vegetables such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. They also complement dishes like quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta.
- How long should I cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer?
- Cook the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer at 400°F for 24 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are golden, crispy, and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Tips
- Adjust Cooking Time for Boneless Thighs: If you opt for boneless chicken thighs, remember to decrease the cooking time. They cook faster than bone-in thighs, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Batch Cooking for Optimal Crispiness: If your air fryer can’t accommodate all six thighs at once, cook them in batches to ensure each piece gets evenly crispy. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee that your chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken thighs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Customize with Different Spices: Feel free to experiment with various spice blends to alter the flavor profile of the chicken thighs. This flexibility allows you to enjoy a different taste experience each time you make the recipe.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
