11/16/2024
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs 🍗
Ingredients:
2 lbs. chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on; about 4 pieces)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable zip-top bag or a bowl.
Add the vegetable oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce), and balsamic vinegar. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken evenly. If using a bowl, toss the chicken with the seasoning mixture until well coated.
Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
2️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately when placed inside.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side up, in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s some space between the pieces so the air can circulate and crisp them up.
Cook for 25-28 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
4️⃣ Serve:
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pair them with your favorite side dishes, like Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Garlic Green Beans, or Air Fryer Broccoli for a full meal!
Tips:
Skin-on, Bone-in: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are the best for crispy results. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, and the bone helps retain moisture, keeping the chicken juicy.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to play around with different spices. You can add chili powder for heat, lemon zest for a citrusy kick, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
No Need to Flip: One of the best parts of cooking in the air fryer is that you don’t need to flip the chicken, which means less mess and easier cooking!