Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Liquid Marinade Magic

Chicken thighs are a versatile and tasty meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. The air fryer gives chicken thighs a crispy exterior and tender interior, and the use of a liquid marinade can infuse them with flavour. There are many different marinade options, from Italian dressing to a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and herbs and spices. The chicken thighs should be left to marinate for at least an hour, but preferably longer, before being cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with a Liquid Marinade

Marinade ingredients

There are many different ingredients that can be used to create a marinade for chicken thighs to be cooked in an air fryer. The most common ingredients include soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and olive oil. Some recipes also include hoisin sauce, paprika, and lemon juice.

If you're looking for a spicy kick, you could add some cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, for a citrusy twist, you could swap out the soy sauce for orange or lime juice. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro can also add a nice touch.

If you're short on time, a simple Italian dressing can be used as a marinade. You can even use a pre-made salad dressing if you're in a hurry. For a more intense flavor, you can leave the chicken to marinate overnight. However, even 30 minutes of marinating will allow the flavors to infuse.

If you're using boneless chicken thighs, be aware that they will cook more quickly than bone-in thighs. You may only need to air fry them for 5-10 minutes.

Marinating the chicken

Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Start by trimming some of the skin and most of the fat from the chicken thighs. You can use kitchen shears to trim the chicken and make short slits through the skin and into the meat. This step is optional but will help the marinade penetrate the meat and enhance its flavour.

Make the Marinade

There are many different marinade recipes you can use, depending on your taste preferences. A simple marinade can be made by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, dried sage, and black pepper. You can also add soy sauce and hoisin sauce for a savoury flavour, or honey for a sweet and sticky glaze. If you like your food spicy, add some cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. For a refreshing citrusy twist, use orange or lime juice instead of soy sauce. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or cilantro will also add a beautiful aroma to your chicken.

Combine the Chicken and Marinade

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or container and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. You can use gloves or a spoon to mix them. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavour will be. For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight.

Pre-Cooking Steps

Before cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Leave some space between each chicken thigh to ensure even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Pre-heating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking juicy and flavourful chicken thighs. Not only does it ensure your chicken cooks evenly, but it also helps to get that coveted crispy skin. Here is a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for cooking chicken thighs with a liquid marinade:

Firstly, ensure your chicken thighs have been marinating in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight for more intense flavour. When you are ready to cook, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and drain the marinade, discarding the excess liquid. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy skin.

Next, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 360°F and 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Depending on your air fryer model, this could take several minutes. It is important to note that some recipes suggest cooking frozen chicken thighs, in which case you would not need to take the chicken out of the freezer until after preheating.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken thighs for cooking. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. Leave some space around each chicken thigh to allow for even cooking, as air fryers work by circulating hot air. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you are ready to start cooking your chicken thighs. Simply follow the cooking instructions for your chosen recipe, and enjoy your juicy and flavourful chicken!

Cooking the chicken

Next, mix together your chosen marinade ingredients. You can use a simple Italian dressing, or get creative with ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, dried sage, and black pepper. Feel free to add some cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or rosemary, thyme, or cilantro for a herbaceous note. Once you've mixed your marinade, place the chicken thighs into a bowl with the marinade and toss them until each piece is thoroughly coated. You can use gloves or a spoon to do this.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. For optimal flavor, it's best to marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours, but if you have more time, leaving it overnight will intensify the flavors even more. If you're in a hurry, 30 minutes of marinating will still impart some flavor to the meat.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (195ºC) or 400ºF, depending on your recipe. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each thigh for even cooking. For crispier skin, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before placing it in the air fryer, and cook skin-side down first.

Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs, but generally, it will take around 15-20 minutes at 380ºF or 16-22 minutes at 400ºF. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Storing and reheating

Storing Chicken Thighs:

It is essential to store cooked chicken thighs properly to ensure food safety and maintain their freshness. Always allow the chicken thighs to cool down to room temperature before storing them. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure to label the container with the date and store them in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to store them for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating chicken thighs, as it keeps the meat juicy and tender while crisping up the skin. Here are the steps to reheat chicken thighs in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set the temperature to between 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer).
• Prepare the chicken thighs: Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Spritz the skin with a small amount of oil to promote crispiness.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer: Ensure you leave some space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
• Reheat the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer and reheat for 3-5 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken thighs are adequately reheated. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.
• Serve: Once the chicken thighs are heated thoroughly and the skin is crispy, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!

The air fryer method is a fast, convenient, and delicious way to reheat your chicken thighs, ensuring they taste just as good as the first time you cooked them!

Frequently asked questions