Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. You can cook them in just 25 minutes, which is great for busy nights. These chicken thighs come out juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside.

The recipe is simple and uses basic spices you might already have in your kitchen. You’ll need chicken thighs, olive oil, and a mix of spices like garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. The air fryer does most of the work, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time cooking.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty air fryer chicken thighs:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (2 – 2.5 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

These simple ingredients pack a lot of flavor! The olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken and keeps it moist. The garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder give the dish a nice kick.

Salt and pepper are must-haves for seasoning. The dried oregano adds a touch of herb flavor that goes great with chicken.

Make sure you have paper towels on hand to pat the chicken dry. This helps the skin get extra crispy in the air fryer.

You might also want to grab a small bowl for mixing the spices and oil. Don’t forget to check that your air fryer is clean and ready to go!

Instructions

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.

Next, mix up your spice blend. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well to create a paste.

Rub this tasty spice mix all over your chicken thighs. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. This will give your chicken amazing flavor.

Place the seasoned thighs in your air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, skin side down. Don’t overcrowd the basket.

Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Then, use tongs to flip the thighs over. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.

Check if your chicken is done by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.

Once cooked, take the chicken out and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside.

Serve your crispy, juicy chicken thighs with your favorite sides. Enjoy your quick and easy meal!

Possible Substitutes List

You can swap out some ingredients in this recipe if needed. Here are some easy switches:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on ones.
• Try chicken breasts or drumsticks if you prefer.
• Replace olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter.
• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or chili powder.

For the spices, you have options too:

• Italian seasoning can replace the oregano.
• Cayenne pepper adds a kick if you like it spicy.
• Lemon pepper seasoning gives a zesty flavor.
• Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary work well too.

No garlic powder? Use fresh minced garlic instead. Out of onion powder? Finely diced onions can do the trick.

Remember to adjust cooking times if you change the chicken cut. Boneless pieces may cook faster than bone-in ones. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make these air fryer chicken thighs more diabetes-friendly, try these easy tweaks:

Remove the skin before cooking. This cuts down on fat and calories.

Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs instead. They cook faster and have less fat.

Cut back on salt. Try 1/4 teaspoon instead of 1/2 teaspoon.

Add more spices like cumin or chili powder for extra flavor without salt.

Serve with non-starchy veggies like broccoli or green beans instead of potatoes.

Try a low-sugar BBQ sauce or Greek yogurt dip on the side.

These simple changes make the dish better for blood sugar control. The air fryer still gives you crispy, tasty chicken with less oil.

Remember to watch your portion size. Stick to one chicken thigh per serving.

Pair it with a big salad or roasted vegetables to fill your plate with fiber-rich foods.

You can still enjoy delicious chicken while managing your diabetes. The air fryer makes it easy to cook healthier meals at home.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture and helps the skin get crispy.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier.

You can store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

For meal prep, cook a big batch and freeze individual portions. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Try different spice blends to change up the flavor. Italian seasoning, cajun spice, or lemon pepper are all tasty options.

Serve your chicken thighs with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!