Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs Better Than Takeout

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs: Better Than Takeout!

Fancy a Nando's night without the queue? Me too! Honestly, who doesn't love juicy chicken? This recipe for air fryer chicken thighs is a game changer.

It's quick, easy, and delivers that crispy air fryer chicken thighs we all crave.

What's the Crack?

This recipe draws inspiration from that peri peri flavour we know and love. It's easy, clocking in at just 30 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes 4 portions. That means plenty for everyone.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These juicy air fryer chicken thighs aren't just delicious. They're also a healthier alternative to takeout. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend feast, this recipe is sure to become a family favourite.

What makes it special? The crispy skin and the juicy, flavourful meat. Simple!

Gear Up!

Right, let's talk ingredients. Here's what you'll need to create the best air fryer chicken thighs imaginable. And don't worry if you haven't got all the herbs. This recipe is quite forgiving.

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 6-8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Ready to get started on these easy air fryer chicken thighs ? Let's do it! The following steps, when done well, will help you achieve air fryer chicken thighs crispy skin .

Tips and Tricks for the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe

Here are a few tricks that I discovered. Always ensure the air fryer chicken thighs reach a safe temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Don't overcrowd the basket. And patting the chicken dry is essential. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavour.

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Ingredients and Gear

Let's talk about what you need to make amazing air fryer chicken thighs . Honestly, it's all pretty simple. And you know what's super convenient? You can easily adapt this recipe for air fryer chicken drumsticks too!

Main Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Alright, here's the lowdown. Get ready for crispy air fryer chicken thighs :

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6-8 oz/170-225g each).
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml ). Quality olive oil gives a better flavour, but any kind will do.
• 1 teaspoon paprika ( 5 ml ). Use smoked paprika for a lovely smoky flavour!
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder ( 5 ml ).
• 1 teaspoon onion powder ( 5 ml ).
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme ( 2.5 ml ).
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano ( 2.5 ml ).
• ½ teaspoon salt ( 2.5 ml ).
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25 ml ).

For top-notch air fryer chicken thighs crispy skin , patting the chicken completely dry is key.

If you're after that Nando's style air fryer chicken , add a little bit of cayenne pepper. This will kick things up a notch!.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

It's all about the herbs and spices! This blend is a banger: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. These are the essentials.

Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. Or a lemon juice & zest for a zesty kick.

If you're missing an herb, don't panic! Use a pre-made Italian herb mix. Easy peasy. Remember this to make this easy air fryer chicken thighs !

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need loads of fancy kit. Here's what you really need:

• An Air Fryer . Obvs.
• A small mixing bowl. For mixing the spices.
• Tongs. To flip the chicken without making a mess.

No air fryer? I'm gutted for you! But you can bake these at 400° F ( 200° C) . But the air fryer makes them extra juicy air fryer chicken thighs .

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs: Better Than Takeout!

Honestly, who doesn't love crispy chicken? But the hassle of deep frying? Nah. That's where the air fryer chicken thighs come in.

This recipe nails that takeout flavour, only it's healthier and quicker. Think Nando's style air fryer chicken , but you control the spice.

It's a total game changer!

Prep Steps for Air Fryer Glory

Essential mise en place. Grab those chicken thighs. Four beauties, bone-in, skin-on. Don't skip the skin. Pat them dry, really dry, with paper towels.

This is crucial ! Mix your spices. One teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Half a teaspoon each of dried thyme, dried oregano, and salt.

A quarter teaspoon of black pepper.

Time saving organization tips. Measure out all your spices into a bowl before you even touch the chicken. Trust me, it makes life easier.

Plus, it prevents you from accidentally dumping the whole spice rack on the chicken.

The Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Process

1. Mix the olive oil with the spices. Two tablespoons of olive oil, mind you.
2. Rub that spice mix all over the chicken. Get under the skin too for maximum flavour.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) for 5 minutes . Don't skip this.
4. Pop those best air fryer chicken thighs into the air fryer, skin side up. Don't overcrowd! Cook in batches if needed.
5. Air fry for 10 minutes .
6. Flip 'em over and cook for another 10 minutes . Keep an eye on 'em, until the internal temp hits 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Wanna take these easy air fryer chicken thighs to the next level? Here's how.

For that extra crispy air fryer chicken thighs crispy skin , lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil spray halfway through. I swear it works a treat.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. It lets the juices redistribute, so they will be juicy air fryer chicken thighs .

Recipe Notes for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Ever!

Alright, you've got the recipe for these amazing crispy air fryer chicken thighs . Honestly, get ready to make this every week.

But before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs to make your cooking experience even better, you know? These will help you create the best air fryer chicken thighs .

Serving 'Em Up Right

Think about how you're going to plate these bad boys. A bit of green always looks good, doesn't it? I reckon a side of bright green broccoli or some roasted Brussels sprouts would be smashing.

For a bit of comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries are absolute winners. And you know what? A simple coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly, or just toss together a quick green salad.

Pair with your favorite beverage.

Sorted Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop those juicy air fryer chicken thighs in an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Fancy freezing them? No probs! Wrap them well in cling film, then foil, and they'll keep for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to scoff, defrost thoroughly in the fridge and then reheat in the air fryer at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 5- 7 minutes, until heated through, keeping that air fryer chicken thighs crispy skin .

Mix It Up, Mate! Variations Galore

Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a bit of kick. Or how about lemon herb air fryer chicken thighs with herbs ? Zest and juice of a lemon and some parsley, boom.

Trying to watch the carbs? Serve these easy air fryer chicken thighs with a big, leafy salad instead of potatoes.

Or what about trying the Nando's style air fryer chicken variation?

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's keep it real, chicken thighs aren't exactly health food. But they are packed with protein, which is great for building muscles.

Think of it as a balance, yeah? Each serving gives you around 350 calories, 30g of protein, 25g of fat, and 2g of carbs.

Remember, the numbers are just estimates.

So there you have it. All you need to know to become a crispy air fryer chicken thighs pro! Don't be afraid to experiment, and have a go at making air fryer chicken drumsticks .

Now go on, get cooking and enjoy! You've got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my air fryer chicken thighs crispy?

The secret to crispy air fryer chicken thighs lies in moisture control. First, pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels seriously, don't skimp on this step! Secondly, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches if you need to.

A light spray with cooking oil spray halfway through can also boost crispiness. It's all a bit like getting that perfect "chippy" chip!

What temperature should I cook air fryer chicken thighs to?

For food safety, you need to cook your air fryer chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to check.

Remember to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking; it will continue to cook slightly, plus the juices will redistribute, giving you a juicier result!

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?

While technically possible, it's generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken thighs directly in the air fryer for this recipe. Thawing them first ensures even cooking and better seasoning penetration.

If you're in a real pinch, fully defrosting in the microwave is acceptable, but make sure it reaches a safe temperature before cooking. Remember, always prioritise safe food handling!

What variations can I make to these air fryer chicken thighs?

The possibilities are endless! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the seasoning mix. Lemon herb chicken thighs are also delicious; just add the zest and juice of one lemon and a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.

You could even go for a garlic parmesan version by sprinkling grated parmesan during the last 5 minutes think of it like customising your Nando's!

How long do leftover air fryer chicken thighs last, and how should I store them?

Leftover air fryer chicken thighs will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. To reheat, you can pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp the skin, or microwave them if you're in a hurry.

Avoid letting them sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Are air fryer chicken thighs healthy?

Air fryer chicken thighs can be a healthier option compared to deep fried chicken as they require significantly less oil. Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, but they are higher in fat than chicken breast. You can further reduce the fat content by trimming excess skin before cooking.

Pair your air fryer chicken thighs with roasted vegetables or a salad for a balanced and nutritious meal, a bit like what your Mum always told you!