Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: How Long To Cook Frozen Thighs?

Cooking frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare chicken. The air fryer's convection-style cooking ensures even cooking and a crispy skin, while keeping the inside juicy. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer model, but generally, it takes between 20 and 40 minutes to cook frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer.

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 chicken thighs, the specific air fryer model, and your preferred level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C). However, it is important to refer to your air fryer's instructions for the recommended preheating temperature and time.
• Prepare the chicken thighs by removing them from their packaging and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the seasoning will stick to the chicken and enhances the overall flavor.
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray on the chicken thighs to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can also use a light coating of oil or cooking spray to help achieve a crispy skin.
• Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with your preferred seasonings. Common seasoning options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other herbs and spices of your choice.
• Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. It is important to allow for proper airflow and circulation by leaving space between the chicken thighs.
• Cook the chicken thighs at a temperature between 360°F and 400°F (180°C and 200°C) for 20 to 30 minutes. The precise cooking time may vary, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature of the air fryer to between 380°F and 395°F (190°C and 200°C) for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
• Once the chicken thighs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
• Serve the chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, crispy fries, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried chicken thighs!

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. Always ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

How to prepare the air fryer

Preparing your air fryer for cooking is simple and quick. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Unbox and Clean Your Air Fryer

First, unbox your air fryer and remove all the removable components, such as the basket and grate or perforated tray. Wash and dry these parts before putting them back in the air fryer.

Step 2: Place Your Air Fryer on a Heat-Resistant Surface

Place your air fryer on a heat-resistant surface, ensuring it is at least eight inches away from the wall. This is a safety precaution to allow for proper ventilation during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer (Optional)

Some manufacturers recommend preheating your air fryer for about 10 minutes before the first use to allow it to off-gas. There may be a slight chemical smell during this initial heating, so it is advisable to keep the vents open or windows cracked. This step is typically only necessary the first time you use your air fryer.

Step 4: Choose Your Ingredients and Prepare Them

Select your ingredients, keeping in mind the size and capacity of your air fryer. For example, if you are cooking chicken thighs, you can cook about 6 medium-sized thighs in a 5.5L air fryer. You may need to adjust the quantity or cook in batches if your air fryer is smaller.

Step 5: Season Your Ingredients

Before placing your ingredients in the air fryer, season them according to your preference. You can use a light coating of oil, especially if you're cooking vegetables, as it helps them brown nicely. However, if your ingredients already have fat on them (e.g., skin-on chicken), you might not need to add any extra oil.

Step 6: Place Ingredients in the Air Fryer Basket

Place your seasoned ingredients in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between the items to allow for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking.

Step 7: Set the Temperature and Timer

Refer to your air fryer's manual for recommended cooking temperatures and times for different types of food. As a general rule, you can set the temperature 25 degrees Fahrenheit lower than you would for a conventional oven. Additionally, remember that the cooking time will depend on the quantity and type of food you are cooking.

Step 8: Monitor the Cooking Process

Depending on what you're cooking, you may need to shake or flip your ingredients halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. You can also pull out the basket to check on the progress without interrupting the cooking, as the air fryer will automatically pause when the basket is removed.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your food has reached the safe internal temperature. For example, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your food is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.

Remember to always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions. With these steps, you're well on your way to becoming an air fryer pro!

Seasoning and preparing the chicken

Step 1: Remove Chicken from Packaging

Take the frozen chicken thighs out of their packaging. If they are frozen together in a block, run them under cool water to separate them into individual pieces.

Step 2: Pat Chicken Dry

Use a paper towel to pat the chicken thighs dry. This step is important as it ensures that the seasoning will stick to the chicken and enhance its flavour.

Step 3: Drizzle Oil or Use Cooking Spray

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or another preferred oil over the chicken thighs. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket. This step also helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.

Step 4: Apply Seasonings

Now, it's time to season your chicken! Sprinkle your preferred seasonings generously on both sides of the chicken thighs. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other herbs and spices that suit your taste. Be sure to customise the seasonings to your preference.

Step 5: Repeat Seasoning (Optional)

If desired, flip the chicken thighs using kitchen tongs and repeat the seasoning process to ensure both sides are well-coated.

Tips:

• You can use a light coating of cooking spray or brush a thin layer of oil onto the chicken thighs if you want them extra crispy.
• Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and create your own signature blend.
• If you're using an all-purpose seasoning, sprinkle it on the chicken thighs after spraying them with cooking oil.

Cooking the chicken

The great thing about cooking frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer is that you don't need to defrost the chicken beforehand. This saves time and means you can enjoy a hassle-free cooking process. You can also cook other frozen chicken cuts, such as chicken breasts or drumsticks, in an air fryer, and even frozen chicken thighs that have been frozen together in a block.

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients: frozen chicken thighs, olive oil or cooking spray, and your preferred seasonings (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika). You can also use a basic spice blend of onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

First, preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature to 395°F to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for a few minutes while you prepare the chicken thighs.

Next, remove the frozen chicken thighs from their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it ensures that the seasoning sticks to the chicken and enhances the flavor. Then, drizzle a little bit of olive oil or cooking spray over the chicken thighs to prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Generously sprinkle your chosen seasonings on both sides of the chicken thighs. You can customise the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Once your air fryer is preheated and the chicken thighs are seasoned, it's time to cook them. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Cook the chicken thighs at 360°F to 400°F (180°C) to (200°C) for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. The precise cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, so it's best to use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Now, it's time to serve your mouthwatering creation! You can pair these air fryer chicken thighs with various side dishes, from roasted vegetables and crispy fries to fresh salads and wraps.

Resting and serving the chicken

Once the chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bite. The internal temperature of the chicken will also continue to rise during this time, ensuring it reaches the safe temperature of 165°F/74°C.

While the chicken rests, you can prepare any sides or garnishes to serve with the chicken. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, crispy fries, a fresh salad, or garlic roasted potatoes. You can also make a complete meal in the air fryer by adding some asparagus or roasted cauliflower to the basket after the chicken is done.

After the chicken has rested, it's time to plate and serve. These juicy, crispy chicken thighs are versatile and can be enjoyed in various dishes. Try them in wraps or salads, or as part of a comforting rice or pasta bowl. You can also pair them with some steamed and crispy broccoli for a delicious low-carb option.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, use the air fryer at 380°F/190°C for about three minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F/175°C for 20-30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions