Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to please the whole family? Look no further than these crispy air fryer chicken thighs! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have juicy, tender chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin in no time. Serve them alongside fluffy rice and refreshing chopped cucumber for a meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
All-Star Ingredients:
- 500-600g chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped cucumber, for serving
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Method:
Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the chicken crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or herbs. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place the basket of chicken thighs in the air fryer and cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken thighs should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken thighs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, avoiding the bone. If the temperature reads 165°F (75°C), the chicken is ready. If not, continue cooking for an additional few minute until the desired temperature is reached.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and flavorful chicken. Serve the air-fried chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as rice and chopped cucumber, and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
With its juicy meat, and flavorful seasoning, these air fryer chicken thighs are sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Plus, serving them with fluffy rice and refreshing chopped cucumber makes for a balanced and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Try this recipe for your next dinner and prepare to be amazed by how easy and delicious it is!
Enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken thighs with rice and cucumber, and happy cooking!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs served with Rice and Cucumber
Course: Dinner2-4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
500-600g chicken thighs
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
fresh lemon juice, for serving
1 small cucumber, diced
rice of your choice, for serving
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Drizzle the oil over both sides of the chicken thighs. Then sprinkle all the herbs and seasonings onto the chicken on both sides. season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the crispy air fryer chicken thighs hot with a bowl of rice and chopped cucumber. Squeeze some fresh lemon over the dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Experiment with different seasonings to add flavor to your chicken thighs. Common options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and Italian herbs.
- Marinating the chicken thighs before cooking can enhance their flavor and juiciness. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
- Air fryer chicken thighs can be served hot as a main dish alongside your favorite sides, such as rice, vegetables, or salad.