Crispy in Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe
Get ready to elevate your chicken game with our Crispy in Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs recipe! Marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus, these juicy chicken thighs are coated in a crispy exterior that will satisfy your taste buds. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs without the need for excess oil or frying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this easy and delicious recipe it will become a new favorite in your kitchen!
WHY WE LOVE THIS MARINATED CHICKEN THIGH RECIPE?
- Flavorful Marinade: The marinade uses a delicious blend of garlic, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients. It infuses the chicken thighs with and creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
- Crispy Texture: Cooking the thighs in the air fryer results in a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Air frying requires minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option for enjoying crispy chicken thighs.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
INGREDIENTS you’ll need:
This detailed ingredient description showcases the balance of flavors and textures in these chicken thighs:
- Garlic (minced): 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced, provide a robust and aromatic flavor base to the marinade.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons of olive oil helps to tenderize the chicken thighs.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons of honey add natural sweetness to the marinade, balancing the savory and tangy flavors.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce provide a rich umami flavor and add depth to the marinade.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce offer a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with hints of umami.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard contribute tanginess, depth, and a hint of spiciness to the marinade.
- Cumin (ground): 2 teaspoons of ground cumin impart a warm and earthy flavor.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors of the marinade and helps to season the chicken thighs.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon of black pepper adds a subtle kick and mild heat to the marinade.
- Lime Juice or Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of either lime juice or lemon juice provide a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Lime Zest or Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon of either lime zest or lemon zest adds aromatic citrus notes to the marinade.
- Chicken Thighs (boneless): 3 pounds of boneless chicken thighs, approximately 8 chicken thighs, serve as the protein base for the dish. For a more flavor bone-in chicken thighs can be substituted.
HOW TO PREPARE AIR FRYER MARINATED CHICKEN THIGHS?
Time needed: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, lime juice (or lemon juice), and lime zest (or lemon zest). Stir well to combine and create the marinade. - Add Chicken Thighs to the Marinade:
Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. - Prepare Air Fryer and Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken Thighs:
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket skin side down, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes. - Flip Halfway Through:
After 6 minutes, flip the chicken thighs using tongs and air fry for an additional 6 minutes. - Complete the Cooking:
Total cooking time 12-15 minutes. Make sure they cook through until the exterior is golden brown with crispy skin. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees f. Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest and drain on a paper towel. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy chicken thighs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy chicken thighs!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It’s recommended to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. However, for maximum flavor, you can marinate them for up to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yes, it’s recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking the chicken thighs. This helps ensure even cooking and crisping of the exterior.
The chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown and crispy. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Yes, if your air fryer is small or if you’re cooking a large batch of chicken thighs. You may need to cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
To prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. This helps create a non-stick surface and ensures easy removal after cooking.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN?
Crispy air fryer chicken is excellent all by itself, but it shines when you add my favorite salad, Creamy Cabbage Slaw with Bacon. Or this Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting yet nutritious pasta dish that goes beautifully with chicken thighs. My Sauteed Balsamic Zucchini and Mushrooms are excellent with almost anything, but chicken thighs are a perfect pairing. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing. Whatever side dish you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and well-balanced meal the whole family will love.
Chicken thigh RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS
These substitutions and variations can customize this easy recipe to create a delicious and satisfying meal every time!
- Marinade Variation: Experiment with different marinades to customize the flavor of your chicken thighs. You can try a spicy marinade using red pepper flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or a tangy marinade using balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Protein Options: Instead of chicken thighs, you can use other cuts of chicken such as chicken breasts, chicken tenders, bone-in thighs, or chicken drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the meat.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the marinade gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian option, you can use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken thighs. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same marinade ingredients and air fry until crispy.
- Herb and Spice Variations: Change up the herbs and spices in the marinade to suit your taste preferences. Instead of cumin try using thyme, rosemary, basil, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Varieties: Use different citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, or blood oranges in place of lime or lemon to add a unique citrus flavor to the marinade.
- Sauces: Serve the crispy chicken thighs with different dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, tzatziki, or sweet chili sauce for added flavor.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS?
To store and reheat leftover air fryer chicken thighs, ensure they are cooled to room temperature first. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs. Once reheated, serve immediately and enjoy them as is or with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes.
CAN LEFTOVER CHICKEN THIGHS BE FROZEN AND reheated?
Yes, leftover air fryer marinated chicken thighs can be frozen for later use. Once the chicken thighs have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or a sealable freezer bag. Remember to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the frozen chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator. Before reheating them in the air fryer or using another preferred cooking method. Freezing and thawing may affect the texture slightly, but the flavor should remain intact. This allows you to enjoy marinated chicken thighs whenever you crave them.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Crispy Air Fryer Panko Boneless Chicken Thighs: This dish takes the classic comfort of boneless chicken thighs and elevates it to new heights with the magic of the air fryer. The combination of a golden, crispy panko coating and the tender juiciness of boneless chicken thighs creates a delightful symphony of textures, making this recipe a must-try for anyone seeking a quick and flavorful meal.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken: This dish is a symphony of tender chicken breast, aromatic garlic, sun-drenched tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, all bathed in a luxurious blend of cream, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. The result is a delightful concoction that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy.
Creamy Bacon Brussels Sprouts: This dish takes the humble Brussels sprout and transforms it into a symphony of flavors and textures. Picture crisp Brussels sprouts bathed in a velvety, savory cream sauce and adorned with the smoky allure of bacon. Each bite is a harmonious blend of richness and freshness, a perfect side dish that will turn even the staunchest Brussels sprout skeptics into ardent fans.
Crispy in Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 Garlic (minced)(2 Tablespoons)
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tsp Cumin (ground)
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Lime Juice or Lemon Juice
- 1 Tsp Lime Zest or Lemon Zest
- 3 lbs Chicken Thighs (boneless) (about 8 chicken thighs)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, lime juice (or lemon juice), and lime zest (or lemon zest). Stir well to combine and create the marinade.
- Add the boneless chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a large resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to marinate.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side down, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes.
- After 6 minutes, flip the chicken thighs using tongs and air fry for an additional 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is crispy and golden brown.
- Total cooking time 12-15 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meat has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees f.
- 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 marinated chicken thighs hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy chicken thighs!