Name: Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492078H23M7S
Total time: PT-492078H23M7S
Cuisine: International
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 of smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala

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Introduction

Air-fried chicken thighs are a simple, delicious way to enjoy crispy skin without the extra oil of traditional frying. This recipe uses a light seasoned flour coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer, delivering juicy, flavorful meat every time.

Six pieces of golden-brown fried chicken with crispy skin are arranged on a dark wooden cutting board. The chicken pieces have a slightly oily, textured surface showing their crunchiness, with parts of light and darker golden hues. The cutting board rests on a colorful woven fabric, but the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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: In a separate bowl, mix the plain flour with your chosen seasoning. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture for a light coating. If you prefer a thicker crust, you can double the amount of flour and seasoning.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the tray of your air fryer, avoiding overlap.
Step 4: Set the air fryer to cook for 35 minutes. After this time, check doneness by pulling the flesh from the underside of one thigh away from the bone; the meat should come away easily and be free of any pink.
Step 5: If needed, cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until fully cooked and the skin is crisp and bubbled.
Step 6: Remove the chicken promptly to prevent steam from softening the crispy skin. Discard any excess fat collected at the base of the fryer.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, pat the chicken skin dry before oiling to reduce moisture.
Try different seasonings like smoked paprika or a blend of herbs for varied flavors.
If you prefer, use boneless thighs but reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

Storage

Store any leftover air-fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows six pieces of crispy fried chicken with golden brown skin placed on a dark wooden board. The fried chicken pieces have a textured surface with areas of light and darker golden hues, indicating a crunchy exterior. The board sits on a white marbled surface covered partially by a colorful woven mat with small red, blue, yellow, and beige patterns. The chicken pieces are stacked slightly overlapping in a loose pile, creating a sense of fullness and abundance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time to about 20–25 minutes and monitor closely to keep them juicy.

Is it necessary to use flour in this recipe?

The flour with seasoning helps create a crispy coating on the chicken. You can skip it for a simpler preparation, but the skin won’t be as crisp or flavorful.