Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
320 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Description
This recipe uses boneless skin-on or skinless chicken thighs coated with a mixture of almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and Cajun seasoning. The thighs are lightly sprayed with cooking spray or rubbed with olive oil before coating to help the spice mixture adhere and crisp during cooking. This breading alternative offers a lower-carb texture similar to breadcrumbs but with a nutty flavor from almond flour.
Cooking at around 390°F in the air fryer for 10 to 16 minutes produces a crispy crust that seals the juices inside, keeping the meat tender. It is important to not overcrowd the fryer basket to ensure air circulation and even cooking. Checking internal temperature for at least 165°F guarantees safety and juiciness.
The final result is a well-seasoned, crisp-skinned chicken suitable for packing protein into meals. Letting the meat rest after cooking redistributes juices. The recipe notes emphasize drying the chicken beforehand, preheating the air fryer, and adjusting times based on thigh size for best results.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days. Cooking thighs of similar size together ensures even doneness. Using skin-on thighs provides a crisp skin loved by many, though boneless skinless thighs may be substituted for fewer calories.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs 4 skin on boneless thighs, boneless
- ⅓ cup almond flour
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning or ground coriander
- cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F / 200 degrees C.
- Mix together almond flour, Parmesan cheese, paprika, Herbes de Provence, Cajun or other seasoning.
- 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 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. Mine took 14 minutes.
- Check to ensure doneness using a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
Notes
- Pat chicken thighs dry before coating to help the seasoning stick better.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure even, crispy cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air circulation.
- Cook thighs of similar size together for even cooking; separate larger and smaller pieces.
- Let cooked chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
- Spray the air fryer basket or rack with cooking spray before adding coated chicken to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 320kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 114mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 154mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 263mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.4g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 499IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 0.02mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 72mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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