Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Chicken Thighs, Cooked Perfectly

Cooking chicken is a tedious task, especially if you forget to thaw the meat. Luckily, air fryers have made it possible to cook frozen chicken thighs in under 30 minutes. The best part? You don't have to worry about moisture loss or the chicken turning tough. You can use any kind of chicken thigh, but the temperatures and times will vary depending on the size, thickness, and whether they are boneless or bone-in.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size and thickness of the thighs, whether they are boneless or bone-in, and the type of air fryer being used.

For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the cooking time is generally around 18 minutes in an air fryer. If the chicken thighs are frozen, it is recommended to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Therefore, for frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the total cooking time would be around 23 to 28 minutes.

For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, the cooking time will be longer. One source recommends cooking frozen chicken thighs for a total of 20-30 minutes at 180°C/360°F, depending on their size and thickness. The chicken should be flipped halfway through the cooking time. If the desired crispness is not achieved, the temperature can be increased to 190°C/380°F for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Another source suggests cooking frozen chicken thighs at 390°F for 5 minutes, separating them (as they should be partially defrosted by this point), and then cooking for an additional 12-15 minutes after coating them with oil and seasonings. This results in a total cooking time of 17 to 20 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the chicken thighs are fully cooked before serving. The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165°F/74°C at the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear without any blood.

Some other factors to consider when cooking frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer include:

• Preheating the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer can help achieve crispier results, especially when cooking thick cuts or frozen meats.
• Spacing of the chicken thighs: It is important to ensure that the chicken thighs are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Leave some space between the thighs for proper air circulation.
• Thawing: While it is not necessary to completely thaw frozen chicken thighs before cooking, partially thawing them can make it easier to separate them and apply seasonings.

Chicken preparation

Firstly, remove the chicken thighs from their bag or packaging. If the chicken thighs are frozen together, run them under some water to separate them. Place the frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded or overlapping. You can cook about 6 chicken pieces at once, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Next, spritz or spray the chicken thighs with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and make the skin crispy. You can also add oil to the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend or a sauce like BBQ sauce. Remember to season both sides of the chicken thighs.

Preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes at 390-400°F (200°C). Then, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs with tongs so that the skin is facing up, and cook for an additional 12-20 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, with larger or thicker thighs taking longer to cook.

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices should run clear. If the skin isn't crispy enough, you can increase the temperature to 380°F (190°C) for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Seasoning

Firstly, it is important to note that you should not season the chicken thighs while they are still frozen, as the seasoning will not stick and you will be left with bland chicken. Therefore, it is best to wait until the chicken has defrosted in the air fryer before adding the oil and seasoning.

There are many different seasoning options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. A simple option is to use salt and pepper as a base. You can also add other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavour of the chicken. If you want to add a spicy kick to your chicken, you can include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chilli powder in your seasoning blend. Alternatively, you can use a lemon pepper seasoning blend or a BBQ-inspired seasoning if you plan on using BBQ sauce at the end.

In addition to the seasoning, you can also marinate the chicken thighs to add extra flavour. Some options for the marinade include eel sauce, katsu sauce, or bulgogi sauce for an Asian twist.

Once you have chosen your seasoning blend, you can spritz or spray each side of the chicken thigh with oil, which will help the seasoning to stick and create a crispy skin. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat oil of your choice.

After the chicken thighs are cooked, it is important to let them sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that they are cooked through.

Reheating

Firstly, ensure that the chicken thighs have been stored correctly. Leftover chicken thighs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, cooked chicken thighs can be placed in a freezer-safe container or bag and frozen for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to reheat the chicken thighs, remove them from the refrigerator or freezer and allow them to thaw. It is recommended to thaw frozen chicken thighs overnight before reheating. Once the chicken thighs are thawed, preheat your air fryer. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 390°F. Reheat the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes.

It is important to note that the reheating time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, as well as the type of air fryer being used. It is always recommended to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs to ensure they are thoroughly reheated. The safe internal temperature for consuming chicken is 165°F.

Alternatively, chicken thighs can also be reheated in an oven or microwave. Always ensure that the chicken thighs are heated thoroughly before serving.

Storage

When storing cooked chicken, it is important to let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will ensure that the chicken stays fresh and doesn't spoil. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for up to 4 days.

If you wish to store the cooked chicken for longer, you can freeze it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or a gallon bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. It is recommended to consume frozen chicken within 6-9 months, as the taste may start to deteriorate after that.

Additionally, when storing cooked chicken, it is a good idea to portion it into servings before freezing. This will allow you to easily take out the required amount from the freezer without having to thaw the entire batch.

Leftover chicken should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible and consumed within 3 days. Make sure to use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

It is important to note that the above storage times are recommended for optimal quality and safety. Chicken that has been stored for longer may still be safe to consume if it has been handled and stored properly, but the taste and texture may not be as good. Always use your best judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored chicken.

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