Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer are a great choice for quick and delicious meals. Using the air fryer saves time while still giving you crispy skin and tender meat. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a tasty dish without a lot of fuss.
How to Make Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin on
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (leave out if you don’t like heat)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp rapeseed oil
Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes at 395 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Place the frozen chicken thighs, skin facing down, evenly across the air fryer basket so they aren’t touching. Cook for 10 minutes at 360 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Combine rapeseed oil with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken with tongs so that the skin is facing up. Coat the skin with the spice/oil mix, then return to the air fryer for 15 to 18 minutes at 360 degrees F (180 degrees C), until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Optionally, baste the skin with the juices in the bottom of the air fryer basket during the last 10 minutes for extra flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
These chicken thighs are best served hot right out of the air fryer. You can pair them with a side of vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Feel free to add your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
How to Store Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it again, but it’s best to eat it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Tips to Make Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; the air needs to circulate around the chicken for even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, allow the skin to drain for a minute after cooking before serving.
- Experiment with different spices to suit your taste!
Variation
You can try this recipe with chicken drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different cuts of chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I cook thawed chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook thawed chicken thighs in the air fryer. Just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
3. What can I serve with air-fried chicken thighs?
You can serve them with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes at 395 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Place the frozen chicken thighs, skin facing down, evenly across the air fryer basket so they aren’t touching.
- Cook for 10 minutes at 360 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Combine rapeseed oil with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken with tongs so that the skin is facing up.
- Coat the skin with the spice/oil mix, then return to the air fryer for 15 to 18 minutes at 360 degrees F (180 degrees C), until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Optionally, baste the skin with the juices in the bottom of the air fryer basket during the last 10 minutes for extra flavor.
- Serve and enjoy hot, paired with a side of vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
