Crispy fried chicken is a quick and easy food option for an entire family, filling and flavorful. And I am here with this super crispy chicken thigh recipe, prepared in the air fryer, so you have a check on your calorie count. It can be made in as short as half an hour, without extensive prep work or fancy ingredients.
Serve it with your favorite salad, saute veggies, and rice of your choice, and there you have it, an easy weeknight meal ready. So, try it out.
Your Low-Calorie Crispy Chicken Thigh Substitute
Most of us would agree that chicken thighs are definitely better in taste and flavor. Chicken thighs have more fat and calorie content than chicken breasts, yet they are still a healthy alternative, packed with nutrients and proteins. Plus, if you are cutting on calories, air frying them is a healthy way to get the chicken thighs crispy and tasty without using any oil.
- Typically, per serving for 88 kcal includes 5g fat and 1g saturated carbs. Your crispy chicken thighs have 239 calories, especially if prepared through this recipe.
Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl
- Mix spoons
Ingredients
- 4 Bone-in skinned chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp Oregano
- 1/2 tbsp Onion powder
- Dried herbs like de Provence
- Half a lemon
Instructions
- Let’s Air Fry the Chicken ThighsOnce you are all prepared, let’s prepare your air fryer crispy chicken thighs. Here is how it goes.
- First, preheat your air fryer for five minutes to anywhere around 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 185 degrees Celsius. Spray it with the cooking spray (it is optional).
- Now, add the chicken thighs in a big bowl with a lid and marinate it with all the seasoning. My favorite combination for chicken marination includes kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Shake it properly to make sure the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Remove the lid of the bowl and place the thighs in the air fryer. It is better if you insert an air fryer liner on the base. Keep it sink-side down for around twelve minutes in the air fryer.
- Now, after 12 minutes, turn your chicken skin-side up and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes. If you like them extra crispy, cook them for an additional four minutes.
- When the internal meat thermometer shows a 165-degree Fahrenheit temperature, your crispy chicken thighs are done. Please note that the cooking time varies, depending on the size of the thighs and the capacity of the dryer.
- Once done, serve them with your favorite dip.
- If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook the chicken pieces in batches, as overcrowding the air fryer can leave your chicken undercooked. Keep checking after every five minutes whether your chicken is not burned.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
I usually prefer serving my juicy crispy with green Mediterranean salads and side veggies like shredded Brussels sprouts, roasted green beans, and roasted butternut squash. You can also pair them up with tomato soup, mashed potatoes, paste, or quinoa salad, depending on the meal choice of the day.
Do I Have to Use Specific Chicken Cuts for the Recipe?
Well, the recipe is hugely adaptable and can be used with any cut of chicken, including skinless chicken breasts, boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, or wings. I always use bone-in chicken thighs with their skin on to get the perfect crispy texture. Please note that using bone-in chicken requires air frying for a longer period of time, so adjust accordingly.
Can You Keep the Leftovers?
Yes, of course, you can always keep the chicken thighs leftover. Just make sure to keep these leftover thighs in soy sauce in an airtight container and toss them in the fridge. You can eat the chicken cold in salads or sandwiches for up to three days, without it getting bad.
You can also put it in the freezer (in a resealable plastic bag or freezer-safe container) for up to three months. To use this frozen chicken, thoroughly defrost the chicken before reheating the pieces in the air fryer. Heat them for six minutes straight at 365 degrees Fahrenheit or 185 degrees Celsius.
Final Thoughts
The essence of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to serve as a quick solution for your cravings. The use of an air fryer keeps the calorie count in check while keeping the chicken moist and tender. Give it a shot and see whether the flavors work for you.a
