Cody Casey
Cooking chicken thighs from frozen in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender meal with minimal prep and cleanup. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, and there's no need to defrost the meat before cooking. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, as well as the type of air fryer you are using, but on average, it should take around 20-30 minutes.
Cooking Frozen Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thigh Type | Boneless or bone-in |
| Chicken Thigh Skin | Skin-on or skinless |
| Chicken Thigh Size | Medium or large |
| Chicken Thigh Number | 2-7 pieces |
| Chicken Thigh Temperature | 180C/360F-365F or 375F/190C |
| Chicken Thigh Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Chicken Thigh Internal Temperature | 165F/74C |
| Chicken Thigh Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or BBQ sauce |
| Chicken Thigh Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray |
| Chicken Thigh Sides | Parmesan orzo, sauteed cabbage, creamy pasta salad, broccoli, or baked potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, whether they are boneless or bone-in, and the type of air fryer being used.
For boneless chicken thighs, it is recommended to cook them at 365F/180C for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown and completely cooked through. If the chicken thighs are frozen, it is suggested to cook them for 15 minutes first, until they are just about thawed. Then, spritz or spray them with oil and season them before cooking for an additional 12-15 minutes (for a total of 27 to 35 minutes). It is important to ensure that the chicken thighs are fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165F/74C.
For bone-in chicken thighs, the cooking time will be longer. It is recommended to cook them at 365F/180C for 30-40 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Again, it is important to ensure that the chicken thighs are fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165F/74C.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest cooking chicken thighs at a higher temperature of 375F/190C for a shorter time of 20-22 minutes or even 12 minutes. This may depend on the power of the air fryer being used. It is always important to ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked to the correct temperature, regardless of the timing and temperature settings used.
Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken thighs and to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
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Chicken preparation
To cook chicken thighs from frozen in an air fryer, you will need frozen chicken thighs, oil, and seasonings of your choice. You can use any type of chicken thighs, but bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for the juiciest results. If using frozen chicken thighs with skin on, it is best to separate them before cooking if they are stuck together. This can be done by running them under cool water and gently pulling them apart.
Once you have your desired number of chicken thighs, place them in the air fryer basket with the skin side facing up. If you are using an oven-style air fryer, you can add a cup of very hot water to the bottom rack to create steam, which will help the chicken thaw quicker and prevent it from drying out.
The next step is to spritz or spray the chicken thighs with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat oil. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick to the chicken. After coating the chicken with oil, season them generously. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend or make your own.
If you are cooking a large batch of chicken thighs, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause uneven cooking.
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Oil and seasoning
You can use a variety of oils, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or any other high-heat oil. Olive oil is a popular choice due to its flavour and robustness, but avocado oil is also a favourite because it is not a seed oil. The amount of oil used should be enough to coat the chicken thighs lightly. You can spray the chicken with oil using an oil sprayer, or brush it on with a pastry brush.
For seasoning, you can use a simple combination of salt and black pepper, or get creative with spices and herbs. Smoked paprika is a popular choice, as it adds a savoury flavour that goes well with chicken. You can also use garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chilli powder. If you're feeling adventurous, try an all-purpose seasoning blend that includes onion and garlic granules, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and oregano.
If you plan on using a sauce, like barbecue sauce, at the end of the cooking process, you may want to stick with a simpler seasoning blend, or a seasoning that complements the sauce. For example, if you're using a BBQ sauce, you could use a BBQ-inspired seasoning blend.
By experimenting with different oils and seasonings, you can create a variety of flavours and textures when cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer.
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Internal temperature
Achieving the correct internal temperature is crucial to ensure your chicken thighs are cooked safely and thoroughly. The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F/74°C. An instant-read meat thermometer can be used to check this.
The time it takes to reach this temperature will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, as well as whether they are boneless or bone-in. Medium-sized chicken thighs will take about 25-35 minutes, while bigger-sized thighs may cook between 30-40 minutes. Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster than bone-in thighs.
To ensure even cooking, it is important to separate frozen chicken thighs that are stuck together. This can be done by running them under cool water and gently pulling them apart. It is also recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken thighs, as this helps them to thaw more evenly.
Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided as it can cause the chicken to cook unevenly. If needed, cook the chicken thighs in batches to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer frozen chicken thighs can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with steamed and crisped broccoli. You could also try air fryer frozen green beans and baked potatoes for a well-balanced meal.
If you're looking for something with more carbohydrates, serve the chicken with parmesan orzo, sauteed cabbage, or a creamy pasta salad. For a simple side, air fryer frozen Brussels sprouts are also a good option.
For a tasty sauce, try barbecue sauce for tender meat with crispy skin. Alternatively, a squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice tang to the dish.
If you want to add a spicy kick to your chicken, season with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. For an Asian twist, try marinating the chicken in eel sauce, katsu sauce, or bulgogi sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Spray or brush the chicken with oil and season with your choice of herbs and spices. Cook for 20-30 minutes at 180C/360F, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature has reached 165F/74C before serving.
Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. Medium-sized chicken thighs will take around 25-35 minutes, while bigger thighs may take 30-40 minutes.
Set your air fryer to 180C/360F. If you want to make the skin extra crispy, increase the temperature to 190C/380F for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
Run cool water over the chicken thighs until they can be gently pulled apart. Pat them dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer basket.
