This awesome cilantro lime chicken thighs air fryer recipe is about to become your new favorite. Seriously, it's all about juicy chicken with a kick of lime and a bunch of cilantro that makes it all kinds of delicious. Just as good as this buffalo chicken thighs air fryer recipe.
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I use chicken thighs because they're just more flavorful and tender than chicken breast (except this air fryer shredded chicken which is actually juicy). Trust me, they really soak up all that marinade goodness.
Speaking of marinade, we're talking about a simple mix of fresh cilantro (that green herb that smells amazing), lime juice for that tangy kick, olive oil to bring it all together, and some minced garlic plus spices like cumin and paprika to add a depth of flavor you won't be able to resist.
And the best part? It's super easy. You mix up that marinade, let the chicken hang out in it for a bit, and then cook them up in the air fryer. No air fryer? No problem. You can bake or grill them too. In about 20 minutes, you'll have chicken that's crispy on the outside and unbelievably tender and flavorful on the inside.
So, if you're looking for a way to shake up your meal routine with something easy, flavorful, and a little bit different, you're in the right place. Let's get cooking and make some air fryer cilantro lime chicken thighs that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Recipe ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: These are the upper part of the chicken's leg. Chicken thighs are known for being juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast because they have more fat. They're great for cooking in an air fryer because they stay moist inside while getting a nice, crispy outside.
- Cilantro: This is a green herb with flat leaves. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor that some people love and others find tastes like soap (due to genetics!). Cilantro is often used in Mexican, Asian, and Indian cooking to add a burst of freshness.
- Limes: These are small, green citrus fruits. When you cut them open and squeeze them, they give you lime juice, which is tangy and adds a lot of bright, acidic flavor to dishes. Limes are great for marinating meat because the acidity helps to tenderize it.
- Olive Oil: This is a type of oil that comes from pressing whole olives. It's commonly used in cooking for frying or dressing foods. Olive oil adds moisture and helps to carry the flavors of the spices and herbs into the meat.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic is a small, strong-smelling bulb that's chopped up very finely here. It adds a punchy, aromatic flavor that's a key base for many dishes around the world. Minced garlic blends well in marinades, giving the chicken a rich flavor. i used lots of garlic in garlic Parmesan chicken thighs air fryer recipe
- Cumin: This is a spice made from the ground seeds of a plant in the parsley family. Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that's slightly bitter but also bright. It's often used in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern cooking.
- Paprika: Paprika is made from ground dried red peppers and can range from sweet to hot. It adds a sweet-smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to dishes.
- Salt and Pepper: These are basic seasonings used to enhance the natural flavors of food. Salt is a mineral that's essential for life, and it makes everything taste better by balancing and bringing out flavors. Pepper adds a slight heat and a bit of a kick, giving depth to the overall taste of the marinade.
How to make cilantro lime chicken thighs in air fryer
Start by washing your cilantro and chopping it finely. Roll your limes on the counter with your palm to make them juicier, then cut them in half and squeeze out their juice into a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the lime juice. Stir everything together until it's well mixed.
Take your chicken thighs and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each thigh is well-coated with the mixture. If you can, lift the skin and get some of the marinade directly onto the meat for extra flavor.
Once all the thighs are in the bowl and coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
When your chicken has marinated, it's time to cook. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Make sure they're not overlapping too much, as they cook more evenly when they have a bit of space around them.
Close the air fryer and set the timer for 17-20 minutes. Cooking times can vary a bit depending on the size of your chicken thighs and your specific air fryer model, so it's a good idea to check on them once or twice. Chicken thighs are really easy to cook just like in gochujang chicken thighs air fryer and air fryer jerk chicken thighs recipes.
Chicken internal temperature
The safest way to enjoy chicken is by making sure it's fully cooked. The easiest way to do this is by using a meat thermometer. Once the timer goes off, open the air fryer and carefully insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh, without touching the bone.
You're looking for a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's not there yet, close the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes before checking again.
Recipe notes
- We use lower cooking temperature in this recipe to prevent cilantro from burning.
- Store in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer or in the microwave. Do not overheat or it will become dry.
- You can freeze cooked chicken thighs. Store them in the freezer safe container or plastic bag in the freezer for yup to 5 months.
Side dishes
This dish goes well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, roasted or steamed vegetables, beans, fresh salads, or even avocado corn salsa. It's versatile enough to fit into tacos, burrito bowls, and salads.
Frequently asked questions
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors from the cilantro lime marinade.
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the breasts, and they're fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F
Besides air frying, you can grill the chicken over medium heat for about 7 minutes on each side, cook it in a slow cooker on low for about 4 hours, or bake it in an oven preheated to 400°F for roughly 40 minutes, depending on whether you're using bone-in or boneless thighs
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Hope you will like this cilantro lime chicken thighs 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
Cilantro lime chicken thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 4 lime
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin, paprika, salt and pepper each
Instructions
- Mix all the marinade ingredients in the bowl and place chicken thighs in the marinade.
- Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
- Place chicken thighs in the air fryer and cook at 360 degrees for 17-20 minutes or until the internal temperature will show at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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