Suitable for Keto, Gluten-Free and Low Carb diets. Post Includes Weight Watchers points.
Easy To Cook Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Luckily there are so many great ways to cook them. But the mini chefs love to air fry chicken thighs and this way is pretty much the Best. Thing. Ever. Air fried chicken is sooooo versatile. These crispy chicken thighs are a perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. And they are equally great served as a hearty, healthy, and satisfying lunch, picnic or game day eat, or a snack. The almond flour and Parmesan cheese mixture is a great low-carb, gluten-free alternative to the typical breadcrumb coating. It also adds a nice depth of flavor and gives these chicken thighs a wonderful crispy skin. Which is the perfect contrast to the tender and juicy meat inside. If you’ve been looking to put a delicious new spin on your usual weeknight low carb chicken thighs, this recipe for air fryer chicken thighs is it. If you love chicken, then you might want to check out this crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken, the best golden and crispy Air Fryer Chicken breast, straight from the freezer juicy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breasts, and family approved Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets. Plus learn how to Reheat Fried Chicken in Air Fryer. Loads of delicious air fryer chicken recipes for you.
Why Make This Recipe
Easy and delicious air fryer chicken thighs are sooooo versatile. Swap seasonings or coating to suit the occasion or taste.All occasions – serve as easy weeknight dinner, after-school snack, or quick lunch.For a fun kid-approved snack, try cutting the chicken thighs into chunks before coating with them.Fast – Ready in less than 20 minutes.
Ingredients Notes
Chicken Thighs – This recipe used skin on and boneless chicken thighs – but you can use bone in chicken thighs to although the cook time will be different.Parmesan Cheese – I prefer to freshly grate the parmesan myself, but you can use pre-grated instead.Almond Flour – This uses almond flour as I wanted to keep this low carb. See further below for non low carb optionsSeasoning – Italian Seasoning plus smoked paprika and cajun seasoning provides a nice flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasoning blend.Oil – I used olive oil, but other light oil or cooking spray also works. This helps the seasoning stick to the meat.
So, are you ready to learn how to make chicken thighs in air fryer? Gather your ingredients and let’s get started………
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Step by Step
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.In a small bowl combine together almond flour, Parmesan cheese and spices.Lightly spray both sides of the chicken thighs with a calorie-controlled cooking spray (or if not following a calorie-controlled diet, rub with olive oil).Cover both sides of the chicken with the coating mix and place chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket. Make sure the chicken thighs are not touching.Cook for 10-16 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken thighs. Mine took 14 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: You should always check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs to make sure they’re safe using a meat thermometer. The meat is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 164 degrees F or 74 degrees C.
Make These In The Oven
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.In a small bowl combine together almond flour, Parmesan cheese and spices.Lightly spray both sides of the chicken thighs with a calorie-controlled cooking spray (or if not following a calorie-controlled diet, rub with olive oil).Cover both sides of the chicken with the coating and place the chicken thighs on a rack on a lined rimmed baking tray.Cook chicken thighs for 35-4o minutes depending on their size. The meat is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C.
Recipe Tips
Check out these easy tips to get cook perfect thighs in the air fryer.
Pat the chicken thighs dry before coating them so the seasoning sticks easier and for maximum flavor.Make sure to preheat Air Fryer before adding the thighs in the Air Fryer Basket.Don’t overcrowd the fryer. Make sure the meat is not touching to allow for maximum air circulation so that they cook nice and evenly. You may need to cook this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer basket.Try and cook chicken of the same size at the same time. Might be best cook large thighs and small thighs separately so they cook at the same rate.I like using skin on chicken thighs as my kids love crispy skin, but if you want to cut calories you can use boneless skinless chicken instead.Make sure to let the meat rest for 5 – 10 minutes before serving.Since these have been coated with flour or breadcrumbs, I suggest you spray the air fryer basket or rack with light cooking spray or oil before adding in the coated meat.Make sure the chicken is not touching. This allows maximum air circulation inside the fryer, so your chicken will cook evenly and turn out nicely crispy.Always check the internal temperature of your chicken using an instant read thermometer. The thighs are done and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C.
Delicious Variations
If not following a low carb diet then use Panko Breadcrumbs – Lighter and airier compared to regular breadcrumbs, which means they absorb less oil and end up crispier.Vary the seasoning – the seasoning mixture can be varied to suit your taste. Try swapping the Cajun seasoning for a combination of ground coriander, garlic powder and onion powder. Add heat – add a bit of heat with some cayenne or red chilli flakes.Feel free to add salt and pepper to your taste if needed.
Storage
Store – Keep cool leftover chicken thigh in airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat – Reheat the meat in a preheated air fryer for about 3 minutes till warmed through and the coating crisps up again.Freeze – Wrap cooled cooked thighs individually, then put wrapped meat into freezer bags, squeeze out all the air and freeze flat for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Serving Suggestions
These delicious crispy air fryer chicken thighs can be paired with so many different sides. I personally like to serve them on a lovely bed of field greens topped with bright red (my favorite color) cherry tomatoes. And to keep it all low carb and keto-friendly, dress your salad with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Alternatively, you can serve them with;
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries <= keeps it low carb.Air Fryer Green Beans <= my favorite pairing.Air Fryer French Fries <= family favorite.Air Fryer Garlic Smashed Potatoes. <= kids love this.Air Fryer Beets <= a colorful lunch option.Sweet Potato Gratin <= a great dinner option.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Breast. <= loved by the whole family.Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. <= great for lunchboxes.Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Wings. <= sooooo good.Easy and crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken. <= a great dinner option.
More Chicken Thigh Recipes
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs And Sweet Potatoes.Instant Pot Chicken Adobo.Instant Pot Chicken Thighs.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints per serving of Air fryer Chicken Thighs.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Video
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