Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    378 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a balsamic glaze made with vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, black pepper, and garlic salt. The thighs are coated evenly with this mixture and cooked in the air fryer at high heat for a short time, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken with a caramelized surface. The method emphasizes even spacing in the air fryer to ensure thorough cooking.

Description

Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer are prepared by whisking together a glaze of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and garlic salt. This creates a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The chicken thighs are trimmed and patted dry before being coated evenly with the glaze.

Cooking takes place in a preheated air fryer at 390°F. The thighs are placed skin side down in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure uniform cooking and browning. After an initial cooking period, the thighs are turned to cook the other side. This method yields juicy chicken with a flavorful, slightly caramelized exterior from the glaze.

To achieve the best results, avoid stacking the thighs in the air fryer and consider cooking in batches if necessary. This helps maintain proper air circulation and even heat distribution. The glaze’s components contribute to a sweet and tangy profile that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

Cook chicken thighs in batches if doubling the recipe to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.Limit the amount of chicken per batch to 4-5 pieces based on your air fryer size for best results.Pat chicken dry and discard excess marinade before air frying to promote caramelization.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon garlic minced, about 2-3 cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless skinless, about 4-5 medium thighs

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoon minced garlic about 2-3 cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper and 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the glaze in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Place the 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs about 4-5 medium thighs in a shallow baking dish or pan. Remove any excess fat and pat dry with paper towels. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, turning over to ensure all sides are coated with the glaze.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. (Check your owners manual to see exact preheat times for your model of air fryer. Preheat times are typically 3-5 minutes.)
  4. To the preheated air fryer basket, place the glazed chicken, skin side down. Use a liner for easy clean up. Discard the glaze that was in the baking dish. Evenly space the chicken thighs, making sure to place in one layer. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes.
  5. After 10 minutes, turn the chicken thighs over, and brush with the reserved balsamic glaze that was previously set aside. Cook the chicken for an additional 10 minutes or until they register at 165°F using a digital thermometer.
  6. Once done cooking, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  7. If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how you liked it in the comments or star ratings.

Notes

  • Cook chicken thighs in batches if doubling the recipe to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
  • Limit the amount of chicken per batch to 4-5 pieces based on your air fryer size for best results.
  • Pat chicken dry and discard excess marinade before air frying to promote caramelization.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 378kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 33g (66%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 12g (60%) Trans Fat 0.03g (2%) Cholesterol 162mg (54%) Sodium 450mg (19%) Potassium 462mg (10%) Fiber 0.1g (0%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 42IU (1%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 33mg (3%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 378 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 378kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 33g 66%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 12g 60%
Trans Fat 0.03g 2%
Cholesterol 162mg 54%
Sodium 450mg 19%
Potassium 462mg 10%
Fiber 0.1g 0%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 42IU 1%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

12 reviews
Excellent

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