Oh, the joy of crispy chicken thighs—it’s like a culinary hug, isn’t it? When I first tried these in my air fryer, I was skeptical. But wow, with just a handful of ingredients and that magical gadget, they came out golden and crackling, almost as if they’d been kissed by the sun. Who knew a kitchen appliance could be a game-changer?
Steps
- Begin by squeezing the juice from half a lemon over the chicken thighs to add a fresh, tangy flavor. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and dried herbs over the thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are skin side down.
- Air fry the chicken for 12 minutes, then flip them over to the other side and continue cooking for another 12 minutes. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.
- If your air fryer cannot accommodate all the thighs at once, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once done, serve the crispy, flavorful chicken thighs with your choice of sides such as a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- Bone-in chicken thighs with skin
- Juice from half a lemon
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Sweet paprika
- Dried herbs (e.g., 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 choice?
- Chicken thighs are indeed a healthy option, providing a good amount of protein and other nutrients. They do have more fat and calories compared to chicken breasts, but they are also more flavorful. Enjoying them without the skin can reduce calorie intake, and using an air fryer is a healthier cooking method since it requires minimal oil.
- How should I serve Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
- These chicken thighs pair well with a large green salad and a vegetable side, such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. They also complement a quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta dishes nicely.
- What kind of chicken thighs work best for this recipe?
- Bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on are recommended for this recipe. If you opt for boneless thighs, be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster.
- How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
- The chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, measured with a meat thermometer. They should also be golden, crispy, and cooked through at the center.
- Can I customize the seasoning for the chicken thighs?
- Absolutely! The recipe is quite versatile, allowing you to experiment with different spices to create various flavor profiles. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
Tips
- When using bone-in chicken thighs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. If you opt for boneless thighs, remember to reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- To ensure even cooking and crispiness, arrange the thighs skin side down in the air fryer and flip them halfway through the cooking process.
- Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor of your chicken thighs. Consider trying various dried herbs or spice mixes for a unique taste each time.
- If you’re cooking for a crowd and all the thighs don’t fit in the air fryer at once, cook them in batches to ensure each piece is perfectly crispy.
Equipment
- Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the chicken thighs. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to purchase it to follow this recipe.
