Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Seasoning Recipe
Introduction
This air-fried chicken recipe delivers crispy, flavorful thighs with minimal effort. Using a simple seasoning and a light flour coating, the chicken comes out juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 4 large or 8 small chicken thighs, skin on
- 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- Seasoning of choice (salt and pepper, or ½-1 tsp smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala)
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss the chicken thighs in the oil, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Step 2: Mix the plain flour with your chosen seasoning, then toss the chicken thighs in the mixture for a light coating. For a thicker coating, you can double the flour and seasoning amounts.
- Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the air fryer tray, making sure they do not overlap.
- Step 4: Cook in the air fryer for 35 minutes. Check doneness by pulling the flesh on the underside away from the bone; it should come away easily with no pink remaining.
- Step 5: If the chicken is not fully cooked, continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes. The skin should be bubbled and crispy when done.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken promptly to avoid steam softening the skin, and discard any excess fat collected in the base of the fryer.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, double the flour and seasoning coating.
- Try different seasonings to vary the flavor, such as smoked paprika for a smoky kick or garam masala for an aromatic twist.
- If your air fryer has a paddle, remove it to allow the chicken to cook evenly in one layer.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness, warming at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but cooking time will be shorter. Check frequently to avoid drying out.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is not necessary for this recipe since the seasoning mixed with flour adds plenty of flavor and the air fryer keeps the chicken juicy.
PrintAir-Fried Chicken Thighs with Seasoning Recipe
This easy and delicious air-fried chicken recipe features crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a lightly seasoned flour coating. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, the chicken skin becomes bubbly and crisp, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (using 4 large chicken thighs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large or 8 small chicken thighs, skin on
- 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- Seasoning of choice (salt and pepper, or ½-1 tsp smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala)
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken thighs in the oil, ensuring they are evenly coated to help the flour and seasoning adhere and to promote crispiness during cooking.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: Mix the plain flour with your chosen seasoning thoroughly. This mix provides a light, flavorful coating to the chicken.
- Apply the Flour Coating: Toss the oil-coated chicken thighs with the flour and seasoning mixture. The coating will be very light; if you prefer a thicker crust, you can double the quantities of flour and seasoning.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer on the tray of an air fryer without using a paddle, making sure they do not overlap for even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Set the air fryer to cook the chicken for 35 minutes. Afterward, check the doneness by pulling the flesh at the underside away from the bone; it should come away easily with no pink remaining.
- Finish Cooking if Needed: If the chicken is undercooked, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. The skin should be bubbled and crisp, and excess fat from the chicken will have dripped into the base of the fryer.
- Serve Promptly: Remove the chicken from the air fryer promptly after cooking to prevent steam from softening the crispy skin, and discard any excess fat collected at the bottom of the fryer.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning to match your flavor preferences; smoky BBQ, garam masala, or ras-el-hanout add unique twists.
- Ensure the chicken thighs are arranged in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even crisping.
- Do not leave the chicken in the air fryer after cooking as steam may soften the crispy skin.
- Discard any fat that drips into the air fryer base for a healthier meal.
- Check for doneness by ensuring no pink remains and meat pulls away easily from the bone.
Keywords: air fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, healthy chicken recipe, air fryer meals, quick chicken recipe
