Name: Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 teaspoons baking powder (helps to make the skin extra crispy); 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a smoky flavor and beautiful color); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances the overall flavor profile); 1 teaspoon salt (essential for seasoning the chicken); 0.5 teaspoon onion powder (complements the garlic and adds depth); 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander (provides a warm, citrusy note); 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger (adds a hint of spice); 0.5 teaspoon pepper (for a touch of heat); 4 pieces bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (the star of the dish! (you can use boneless thighs as noted)); olive oil (for spritzing or drizzling to help the skin crisp up); 0.25 cup honey (adds sweetness to the glaze); 2 tablespoons lime juice (brightens the dish and balances the sweetness); 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (adds umami flavor); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (brings a subtle tanginess); 1 tablespoon sriracha (adds heat (adjust to taste)); lime wedges (for serving); fresh cilantro and/or green onions (for garnish and added freshness)

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Imagine crispy, juicy chicken thighs that are bursting with flavor but without the guilt of deep frying. That’s exactly what these Air Fried Chicken Thighs deliver. Coated with a delightful blend of spices and finished with a tangy glaze, these thighs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The best part? You can whip them up in under an hour, making them a convenient option for busy lifestyles. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

These Air Fried Chicken Thighs are a keeper for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. The combination of spices offers a balanced flavor that enhances the natural taste of the chicken without overpowering it. Additionally, the air fryer provides a healthier cooking method that doesn’t sacrifice that coveted crispy skin. With the addition of a sweet and tangy sauce, these thighs are sure to become a staple in your household.

Ingredient Breakdown

To create these delicious Air Fried Chicken Thighs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps to make the skin extra crispy.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and beautiful color.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth.
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander: Provides a warm, citrusy note.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a hint of spice.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: For a touch of heat.
4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: The star of the dish! (You can use boneless thighs as noted.)
Olive oil: For spritzing or drizzling to help the skin crisp up.
1/4 cup honey: Adds sweetness to the glaze.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Brightens the dish and balances the sweetness.
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami flavor.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tanginess.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds heat (adjust to taste).
Lime wedges: For serving.
Fresh cilantro and/or green onions: For garnish and added freshness.

Recommended Tools

To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a few essential tools:

Air Fryer: The key appliance for achieving crispy chicken without excess oil.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the spices and chicken.
Basting Brush: To apply the glaze evenly.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.

Build Air Fried Chicken Thighs Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that crispy skin.

Step 2: Mix the Spice Rub

In a mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, ground coriander, ground ginger, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately once placed inside.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Spritz or drizzle with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the glaze by whisking together honey, lime juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the chicken is done, brush the glaze generously over the thighs. Return the chicken to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the glaze set. Serve with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish.

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

If you need to make any adjustments, consider the following alternatives:

Boneless Thighs: Use boneless skinless thighs for a leaner option.
Agave Syrup: Substitute honey with agave for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
Tamari: Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
Spicy Mustard: Use spicy mustard instead of Dijon for an extra kick.

Learn from These Mistakes

When preparing Air Fried Chicken Thighs, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:

Not drying the chicken: Moisture will prevent the skin from crisping up.
Overcrowding the air fryer: Give the chicken space to cook evenly; cook in batches if necessary.
Skipping the glaze: The glaze adds a delicious layer of flavor, so don’t skip it!
Ignoring temperature: Always check that the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature to ensure safety.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To enjoy your Air Fried Chicken Thighs at their best, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze cooked chicken thighs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen thighs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Hungry for More?

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes and cooking tips, stay tuned! We have a plethora of options that cater to every palate. From hearty mains to delightful desserts, we’re here to inspire your culinary journey.

These Air Fried Chicken Thighs are just the beginning. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy your cooking adventure!