Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this frozen chicken thighs air fryer recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
Happy frying!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Here are all you need to make this air fried frozen chicken thighs.
- Frozen boneless chicken thighs
- Avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
Possible Substitutes
Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Also, you can adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
🚨 Important: If you use bone-in chicken thighs, it will take longer to cook. Don’t fret; both cooking times for boneless and bone-in will be in the recipe card.
Recipe Video
Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer?
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Prepare the ingredients.
Grab your frozen boneless chicken thighs and pat yourself on the back for skipping the thawing process – we’re all about convenience here!
While you can technically thaw the frozen chicken thighs, that’ll be a different recipe. More specifically, other cooking times. Luckily, we have the recipes for it; check it out:
Drizzle a little avocado oil over your frozen chicken thighs, ensuring they get a nice, even coating. The oil is like a hug for the chicken, keeping it moist and delicious.
Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl – the dream team of seasonings. Generously sprinkle this flavorful mixture on both sides of the chicken thighs. Go ahead, be liberal with it!
Step 3: Air fry Frozen Chicken Thighs at 400ºF (204ºC) for 15 – 20 minutes.
Now, place your seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Make sure they have their space, no overcrowding allowed! We want each chicken thigh to crisp up nicely.
Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and give them a gentle flip halfway through for an even cook.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the chicken rest for 5 – 10 minutes after taking them out of the air fryer.
You can garnish them with your favorite herbs for more flavor. Enjoy!
That’s how you make an air fried frozen chicken thighs, quick and easy!
Whether you’re a pro or just starting with your air fryer, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Say goodbye to the days of worrying about defrosting chicken and hello to quick and delicious meals that will leave your family asking for seconds.
So, what are you waiting for? Fry it up, and get ready for some finger-licking goodness!
Variations
- Want a zesty kick? Try the Cilantro Lime Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs!
- For BBQ lovers, the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs is a must-try!
- There’s the breaded chicken thighs too, but that’s not ideal with frozen recipes.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs?
Here are some tasty and complementary options to elevate your dining experience:
Fluffy Mashed Potatoes. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken thighs and creamy mashed potatoes. The rich buttery flavor of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory goodness of the chicken. Plus, they’re a comfort food classic that’s always a hit.
Corn on the Cob. Take your meal to the next level with grilled butter corn on the cob. The sweet buttery corn pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Tangy BBQ Sauce or Honey Mustard Dip. If you love to dip and drizzle, serving your chicken thighs with tangy BBQ sauce or honey mustard dip is a fantastic idea. The zesty and sweet notes of these sauces complement the smoky and seasoned taste of the chicken, taking your taste buds on a saucy adventure.
Sweet Potato Fries. Indulge in some crispy sweet potato fries as a fun and flavorful side dish. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory chicken, and their crispy texture provides a delightful contrast.
Remember, these are just suggestions; you can mix and match them to create your ideal meal.
Whether you go for classic comfort food or try something more adventurous, serving these delectable sides alongside your Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs will surely delight your taste buds.
So, get creative, and enjoy your delicious air-fried feast!
Frequently Asked Questions
For boneless frozen chicken thighs, it takes 15 – 20 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C). The cooking time for bone-in frozen chicken thighs will be longer, approximately 25 – 30 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches a safe temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer! Air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen chicken thighs. Follow our easy recipe guide and enjoy deliciously tender and crispy chicken thighs without thawing.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 4 frozen chicken thighs boneless
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes.
- While your air fryer is preheating, create the dry rub seasoning. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle and massage the frozen boneless chicken thighs with avocado oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Once preheated, place the seasoned frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down.
- Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Add 2 – 4 minutes for extra crispness.
- To ensure the chicken thighs are thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the air fried frozen chicken thighs. Let them rest for 5 – 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Frozen bone-in chicken thighs will have a longer cooking time. Air fry the bone-in version for 25 – 30 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
- Remember that cooking durations may differ depending on the chicken’s thickness and your air fryer’s size and model. Before serving, ensure it has been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4 – 5 minutes without food.
- You can skip preheating by adding 2 – 4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the air fryer frozen chicken thighs.
- I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the frozen chicken thighs. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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