Chicken adobo in air fryer

Chicken adobo in the air fryer is an easy recipe to add BIG flavor to your dinner plans! The chicken thighs are coated in smoky, zesty adobo seasoning dry rub and air fry fork-tender in under 20 minutes. Serve with your favorite Spanish side dishes for a bold and delicious meal any night of the week!

This chicken adobo in the air fryer recipe is the definition of a quick and easy dinner! With only a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes you can turn simple (and budget-friendly!) chicken thighs into an exciting main dish that everyone will love.

Because the spices in adobo seasoning are so bold and flavorful, there's no need to marinate the chicken in the dry rub (although you can)! Simply season the meat, spray with a little oil, and air fry... Every bite of tender chicken bursts with smoky, savory, and warm flavors!

Adobo chicken is perfect to pair with any number of Spanish side dishes, from hearty to low carb. Try this recipe for a busy weeknight meal and I'm sure it'll be an instant family favorite!

What is adobo seasoning

This spice blend is very popular in Latin dishes, and usually includes onion and garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper... Sometimes the combo also has chili powder, depending on the brand.

Traditional adobo seasoning has a deep smokiness that makes the chicken super savory, but is not spicy. But there are variations that have more heat, and you can of course use a spicier option if you like!

Dry adobo vs wet adobo

Wet adobo is common in Filipino cooking, and is made by simmering pieces of chicken in vinegar and soy sauce. The meat becomes fall-apart tender and is served with the sauce.

Dry adobo, more popular in Latin American cooking, features adobo seasoning and no sauce. The chicken is also incredibly tender and does not cook in any juices.

Expert tips

• Season the chicken thighs in a bag or shallow dish to get an even coat on all sides, before spraying on the oil.
• If you have the time I suggest marinating the thighs in the adobo seasoning for at least 20-30 minutes before air frying. This really enhances the flavor!
• Spray the chicken with cooking oil, like canola or avocado oil. Do NOT use nonstick baking sprays like PAM, as these can damage the nonstick coating in the air fryer.
• Line the fryer basket with a square of parchment paper, or use parchment liners designed specifically for the air fryer. This helps to cut down on mess and cleanup.
• Place the thighs in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not overlap or touch. The hot air needs to circulate evenly so let there be a bit of room between each thigh.
• Use tongs to flip the chicken once about halfway through the cooking time. You'll get a more even cook on all sides and will get a good idea of how much longer the thighs will need to air fry.
• The best way to be 100% sure that chicken is done is to use an internal meat thermometer. The chicken needs to reach a t least 165 degrees before it's considered safe for eating.

Serving suggestions

Pair zesty chicken adobo with Spanish rice, black beans, or refried beans, plus warm corn or flour tortillas for a fully satisfying meal.

The tender and juicy thighs are also great to chop up and use to make fajitas, tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. Or load them onto burrito bowls or low carb taco salads... This recipe for chicken adobo in the air fryer is a big hit for weekly meal prepping!

Frequently asked questions

More chicken thighs recipes

• Trader Joe's savory herbed chicken thighs in air fryer
• Air fryer lemon chicken thighs
• Air fryer bacon wrapped chicken thighs

Hope you will like this air fryer adobo chicken recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions.

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