These crispy air fryer hen thighs are juicy and tender and really easy to make! They prepare dinner up in below 20 minutes making them good for a fast and simple weeknight dinner.
Crispy, juicy, and stuffed with taste, these air fryer hen thighs are a complete game-changer. The air fryer works its magic to create completely golden pores and skin whereas locking in all of the juices, and the smoky spice rub takes them to the following stage. That is the sort of recipe that delivers large on taste with minimal effort, making it a staple in my kitchen.
For those who’re loving air fryer hen recipes, you may also take pleasure in my air fryer hen tenders—they’re so easy and all the time successful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy clean-up: Cooking hen thighs within the air fryer means much less mess in comparison with stovetop or oven strategies. No grease splatters to take care of!
- More healthy than frying: You’ll get that crispy pores and skin with no need a ton of oil, making this a lighter choice that also tastes indulgent.
- Child-approved: The gentle, smoky seasoning is flavorful however not overwhelming, making it successful with each children and adults.
- Meal prep-friendly: These hen thighs retailer effectively and reheat superbly, in order that they’re good for prepping forward for busy weeks.
Elements Wanted
- hen thighs – bone-in, skin-on thighs are the star of this recipe. The pores and skin will get completely crispy whereas the meat stays juicy. Belief me, they’re irresistible!
- olive oil – helps the seasonings stick and provides the pores and skin that golden, crispy perfection.
- garlic powder – as a result of every little thing is healthier with a bit of garlicky goodness, proper?
- paprika – candy or smoked paprika provides a touch of smokiness and that beautiful crimson hue.
- onion powder – delicate however so mandatory for that additional layer of taste.
- oregano and thyme – these dried herbs add a contact of earthiness and make the seasoning mix pop.
- salt and pepper – don’t underestimate the fundamentals! They carry out all of the flavors.
- cayenne pepper – completely non-compulsory, however should you’re feeling spicy, a bit of cayenne offers it simply the correct kick.
Variations
- Herby: Swap the oregano and thyme for Italian seasoning, or sprinkle contemporary rosemary and parsley on high after cooking for a burst of freshness.
- Lemon Garlic: A squeeze of contemporary lemon juice over the hen proper earlier than serving provides a vivid, citrusy contact that pairs superbly with the garlic and paprika.
- BBQ-Impressed: Use a smoky BBQ seasoning mix instead of the paprika and serve with my air fryer candy potato fries for a easy BBQ-style dinner.
The best way to Make Air Fryer Hen Thighs
Step 1: Mix seasonings in a big bowl.
Step 2: Pat hen thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle oil over hen thighs.
Step 3: Add hen to the bowl with the seasonings and toss to coat, utilizing your palms to rub the seasonings in.
Step 4: Add hen thighs to a preheated air fryer basket, pores and skin facet down. Ideally, the hen thighs aren’t touching. If they’re, you might wish to prepare dinner them in batches. Cook dinner for about 10 minutes, flip and proceed cooking for 7-8 minutes or till hen is cooked by and crisp. Take away from air fryer and let hen relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving. Get pleasure from!
Brittany’s Ideas!
- Pat the hen dry: Don’t skip this step! Dry pores and skin = crispy pores and skin. Use paper towels to take away any extra moisture earlier than seasoning.
- Get below the pores and skin: Gently rub the seasoning below the hen pores and skin for optimum taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the thighs room to breathe. In the event that they’re too shut collectively, they’ll steam as an alternative of crisp up. Cook dinner in batches if wanted, your endurance might be rewarded.
- Allow them to relaxation: After cooking, let the hen thighs relaxation for five minutes. It retains the juices locked in and makes each chew additional juicy.
The best way to Serve
The great thing about this air fryer recipe is that it produces tremendous flavorful hen that you should use in a wide range of methods! Listed here are some concepts for simple week evening dinners and meal prep!
The best way to Retailer Leftovers
Air fryer hen thighs are the proper meal prep choice and can retailer each within the fridge and the freezer properly!
- Within the fridge: Simply put together the hen because the recipe states, let it cool barely after which put it in an hermetic container. It’ll maintain within the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, heat the hen within the oven or air fryer at 350ºF till heat all through.
- Within the freezer: If you’re going to freeze it, I recommend portioning out your hen forward of time and freezing individually, that approach you possibly can simply take out the container or ziplock containing what you want as an alternative of all of it without delay! Even higher? Pre-shred or chop for simpler defrosting. The hen will maintain within the freezer for as much as 3 months. Once you’re prepared to make use of your freezer air fryer hen, place it within the fridge about 24 hours earlier than you wish to use it so it has time to thaw.
Often Requested Questions
Sure, boneless hen thighs will work, however they might prepare dinner quicker than bone-in thighs. Regulate them and examine for an inside temperature of 165°F.
No, however the pores and skin provides superb crispiness! For those who favor skinless thighs, the recipe will nonetheless work, they only gained’t have that crispy texture.
Sure, you possibly can bake the hen thighs within the oven. Preheat to 400°F and bake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 35-40 minutes, flipping midway by.
Extra Air Fryer Recipes
Remember to take a look at the total assortment of the air fryer recipes right here on EBF!
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