Blackened chicken thighs in air fryer recipe is very easy to make and it only takes 20 minutes. Blackened seasoning, typically a rich blend of herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, coats each piece, infusing it with bold flavors that are sure to please your palate.
Air fryer bourbon chicken is another great way to cook chicken thighs in air fryer, try it!
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Spice up your dinner routine with this easy and flavorful recipe for Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Thighs. Using the air fryer allows you to achieve that perfect, crispy texture. This method not only speeds up the cooking process but also offers a healthier alternative to pan-frying, with less oil and all the taste. Ready in less then 30 minutes, these blackened chicken thighs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn't skimp on taste.
Recipe ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: The main ingredient. Chicken thighs are chosen for their juiciness and flavor. They have more fat than chicken breasts, which keeps them moist during cooking.
- Olive Oil: Used to coat the chicken, olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the meat and contributes to a crispy exterior when cooked. It also adds a subtle flavor and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a rich, reddish color to the chicken. Paprika is sweet with a mild spice level, contributing to the overall taste profile without adding too much heat.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the seasoning. It's a fundamental ingredient in most savory dishes for balancing and deepening flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a concentrated garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic. It infuses the chicken with a warm, savory taste that's less pungent than raw garlic.
- Onion Powder: Adds a sweet, slightly sharp flavor reminiscent of onion. It brings depth to the seasoning mix and complements the other spices well.
- Dried Thyme: An herb with a subtle, earthy flavor that adds a hint of floral and mint notes. Thyme pairs well with chicken and enhances the seasoning blend with its aromatic qualities.
- Dried Oregano: Contributes a slightly bitter, pungent flavor. Oregano is commonly used in Mediterranean cooking and adds complexity to the spice mix.
- Cayenne Pepper: Introduces heat to the seasoning. Cayenne pepper's spiciness can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences, adding a kick that contrasts nicely with the other, milder flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, woody flavor and a slight heat. Black pepper is a versatile spice that enhances the overall taste profile and adds complexity to the seasoning blend.
Step by step instructions
First, pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This helps remove any extra moisture from the surface.
In a separate bowl, combine the following spices to make the seasoning mix: paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss the chicken around in the bowl to ensure each piece is lightly coated with the oil. Next, sprinkle your prepared seasoning mix over the chicken. Toss the chicken again until all the pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer with a little space between each thigh to make sure they cook evenly.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the chicken thighs over to cook on the other side. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a meat thermometer.
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, take it out of the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Leftovers and reheating
Store leftover blackened chicken thighs in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until heated through.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Pat dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels. It will help the sin to get extra crispy and not soggy.
- Marinate the chicken in the seasoning if time allows, ideally for an hour or more.
- Spread out the chicken in the basket in a single layer with some space in between
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to get both sides crispy.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Frequently asked questions
For best results, do not stack the chicken thighs. They should be placed in a single layer with some space around each thigh to allow hot air to circulate freely, which helps in cooking them evenly and getting the skin crispy.
Make sure to coat the chicken well with olive oil and use a non-stick spray or a parchment liner if your air fryer basket tends to stick.
If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the basket will result in uneven cooking and less crispiness.
More chicken thighs recipe
- Cilantro lime chicken thighs
- Gochujang chicken thighs
- Buffalo chicken thighs
- Air fryer jerk chicken thighs
- Air fryer chicken yakitori
Hope you will like this blackened chicken air fryer recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
Recipe
Blackened Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, mix together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create the seasoning.
- Put the chicken in a bowl, add olive oil and toss them until they’re all coated. Then, sprinkle the mixed seasoning over the chicken. Make sure all pieces are evenly covered in the spice mix.
- Heat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, spreading them out so they don’t touch each other. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the chicken over. Cook for another 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the chicken juicy.
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