Fitness / March 4, 2024

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs

If you love the taste of fried chicken but want to avoid fatty fried foods, air fryer frozen chicken thighs are a great solution.

Although we tend to associate fried chicken with American Southern food, it’s thought that the golden crispy miracle may have started in Scotland as far back as the 1700s. No matter how it arrived, fried chicken lovers are happy it’s here.

This recipe calls for the simplest of ingredients that result in juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin. And the best part? You won’t need two inches of oil and a frying pan to yield fried chicken results. You can also get crispy goodness with our air fryer chicken breast recipe that uses panko crumbs to create the crunchy coating. I am partial to the bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on since it makes me feel like I am eating sinful fried chicken, minus the grease.

Air fryer frozen chicken thighs are quick to make and an easy way to get more protein into your and your family’s diets. Prepare for plenty of oohs and ahhs as they dig into the crunchy coating and tender, juicy dark meat. The chicken thigh is one of the most flavorful areas of the chicken.

My favorite part about this recipe is how simple it is, even down to what you flavor the chicken with. We recommend an herb blend with little to no salt, so use any healthy herb blend you prefer. Once it’s’ sealed to the chicken, the flavors will pop.

Are Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs Healthy?

Sometimes, chicken thighs get a bad rap for having more fat and cholesterol than chicken breasts. And while that is true, when prepared in a healthy way, you will benefit from the additional protein and iron that is found in chicken thighs. Protein is essential for healthy muscles and bones, and iron is needed to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

It’s not always the food itself that is healthy or unhealthy; instead, it is the way it’s prepared. Traditionally, to get crispy chicken, it has been fried in oil. However, today, with the use of air fryers, we can enjoy crispy chicken without frying it in a pool of fatty oil. Also, air fryer chicken thighs are perfect for the gluten- or dairy-free diet, and you can omit the oil if you prefer no oil.

Why it’s essential to use bone-in chicken thighs with skin

Remember when it was all the rage to eat boneless, skinless chicken breasts? They are still a great option; however, for more fantastic flavor, bone-in meat is key. Plus, it’s the skin that crisps up in the air fryer. If you use a skinless thigh, you’ll end up with a piece of chicken that doesn’t have the desired fried chicken snap.

There are recipes such as oven-baked chicken thighs or keto-friendly chicken thighs in the slow cooker that call for boneless, skinless chicken and are absolutely delish. Still, if it’s a crunchy outside and juicy center that you crave, keep the skin. The skin isn’t only what makes the chicken crispy, but it’s like a blanket on the meat, sealing in all the juices.

INGREDIENTS

6 frozen chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
1 tablespoon of your favorite herb blend or all-purpose seasoning salt-free preferred
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Olive oil spray or your preferred cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat your air fryer. Arrange the frozen thighs in the basket, ensuring they’re ready for seasoning.

Season

Spray and season the chicken thighs with your favorite herbs and spices, making sure to coat both sides evenly for maximum flavor.

Cook

Air fry the chicken to tender perfection, flipping halfway for even cooking. Check the temperature to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.

Crisp

Turn up the heat for those final minutes to get that irresistible crispy skin that’s the hallmark of a perfectly cooked chicken thigh.

Enjoy

Serve up your deliciously crispy and tender air-fried chicken thighs, a simple yet satisfying meal that fits right into your healthy, active lifestyle.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

I love make-ahead meals and leftovers, so there is always a healthy option to grab at home. To safely store chicken thighs, allow them to cool after cooking, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. You can also freeze your cooked chicken after wrapping it in aluminum foil or parchment paper and placing it in a freezer-safe plastic baggie. Freeze for up to three months.

What if i don’t want to use oil?

It’s no problem if you want to omit oil. You can squeeze some lemon juice on top of the thighs after arranging them in the air fryer, and then add the seasonings of your choice. The juice will help the seasoning stick, and you’ll still get a decent crisp (though not quite as crisp as with oil) on the skin, thanks to the air fryer.

Is the air fryer healthier than frying?

Yes! The traditional method of frying foods uses a lot of oil, adding more fat and cholesterol to your diet. The air fryer yields fried-like results without the oil.

How do I reheat leftover chicken thighs?

To reheat chicken thighs that are refrigerated or thawed from the freezer, heat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken pieces in the fryer and warm them for about three minutes or until warmed through. You can also heat them in the oven in a baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes.

Can I season the chicken thighs after cooking them?

You can always add additional seasoning, if necessary after the chicken is cooked; however, it’s critical to season them before cooking as well. As the chicken cooks in the air fryer, the seasoning adheres to the skin of the chicken and seeps into the chicken meat.

Serving Suggestions

Once the chicken is ready, all you need are a couple of side dishes, and you’ve got an impressive meal that doesn’t take long to make. The yummy herb flavor of the chicken pairs wonderfully with crispy garlic roasted potatoes or roasted russet potatoes. You can even make an entire air fryer meal — clean out the fryer after the chicken and throw in some asparagus for a healthy side dish. One of my favorites in the air fryer is roasted cauliflower, which is so fast and simple with a little oil and salt.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs

If you love the taste of fried chicken but want to avoid fatty fried foods, air fryer chicken thighs are a great solution.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 249kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

6 frozen chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
1 tablespoon of your favorite herb blend or all-purpose seasoning salt-free preferred
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Olive oil spray or your preferred cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F to ensure your chicken will start cooking immediately and evenly.
Arrange the frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, without overlapping. Lightly coat the skin with olive oil spray.
Season the chicken with freshly ground black pepper and your chosen herb blend. Flip the chicken using kitchen tongs and repeat the oil spray and seasoning on the other side.
Cook the chicken thighs for 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the thighs to ensure even cooking. This is also a good time to check if they need more seasoning or oil spray.
After the initial cooking time, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. If they haven’t reached this temperature, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on their size.
If you like extra crispy skin, increase the air fryer temperature to 380°F and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.