These air-fried chicken thighs make for a great weeknight dinner. The prep will take you less than two minutes....then you just toss the thighs in your air fryer for a quick 20 minute session. I sure prefer chicken thighs over breast meat. The dark meat and fat ensure that that every bite will be moist and tender....and the crisp, air-fried chicken skin is one of the greatest pleasures you can gift your palate.
For this recipe, it's not necessary to use Old Bay Seasoning. In fact, 4 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning will work just as well. Lawry's, Famous Dave's, dry ranch dressing, Montreal Steak Seasoning....anything that pleases you will fit the bill. And if you have no seasoned salt on hand, make your own. I suggest mixing 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
INGREDIENTS
4 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
4 chicken thighs (about 6-ounces each)
DIRECTIONS
- Poke skin side of each thigh 10 times with a metal skewer. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
- Spray a small amount of oil in the bottom of the basket. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket, spaced evenly apart. Place basket in air fryer and set air fryer temp to 375º (no pre-heating required). Cook until skin is well-browned and crisp, 20 minutes (chicken should be at 185º). Do not flip chicken during your cook.
- Transfer chicken to a large plate, tent with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then serve.
Pairing: An oaky Chardonnay
