Description
A simple and delicious recipe for crispy air-fried chicken thighs with a perfectly seasoned, light flour coating. This method uses an air fryer to achieve golden, bubbly skin and tender, juicy meat without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative that still delivers on flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 large or 8 small chicken thighs, skin on
Coating
- 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- Seasoning of choice: salt and pepper, or ½-1 tsp of smoky BBQ, ras-el-hanout, garlic granules, celery salt, or garam masala
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken thighs in the oil, ensuring they are well-coated on all sides to help the flour and seasonings adhere better and promote crisping.
- Prepare the Seasoned Flour: Mix the plain flour with your chosen seasoning. Toss the oiled chicken thighs in this mixture to form a very light coating. If desired, double the amount of flour and seasoning for a thicker crust.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer on the tray of an air fryer without a paddle to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Set the air fryer to cook the thighs for 35 minutes. After this time, check doneness by pulling the flesh from the underside of one thigh; the meat should come away easily and show no pink. If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: The chicken skin should be bubbly and crisp, with excess fat drained and discarded from the air fryer base. Serve immediately to prevent the skin from softening due to steam.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for the best crispy texture.
- You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer tray to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispy skin at its best.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: air fried chicken, crispy chicken thighs, healthy fried chicken, chicken recipe, air fryer recipe
