Easy Air Fryer Skinless BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Air fryer skinless BBQ chicken thighs, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, requiring almost no extra fat. Simple seasonings combined with clever cooking methods make it easy to create restaurant-quality deliciousness.
Why use an air fryer to make these BBQ chicken thighs?
Simple and Quick: Using an air fryer makes making these BBQ chicken thighs incredibly easy. Just mix the seasoning with the chicken, marinate for a bit, then place the thighs in the air fryer and set the temperature. The rest is up to the air fryer. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch on a busy workday or a fast dinner, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
Time-saving and Efficient: The air fryer significantly reduces the cooking time for chicken thighs. In just 22 minutes, the chicken reaches the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. No need to preheat the oven, saving a lot of time and energy.
Better Flavor: The chicken thighs are marinated with the seasoning before cooking, allowing the flavors to fully infuse. A bed of onions adds extra aroma, making the roasted chicken thighs even more delicious—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a rich and layered taste.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Chicken thighs: Ideal for roasting, with tender, juicy meat.
Onion: Sliced, used as a base to enhance aroma.
Light soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
Oyster sauce: Boosts savory depth.
Cooking wine: Helps to remove any fishy taste and enhances freshness.
Black pepper: Adds a mild spicy flavor.
Salt: Balances the overall taste.
Minced garlic: Adds garlic fragrance.
Corn oil: Used for spraying on the surface to increase crispiness.
Substitutes
Light soy sauce: Can be replaced with regular soy sauce, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Oyster sauce: Can be substituted with mushroom seasoning or ketchup, but the flavor profile will change.
Corn oil: Can be substituted with olive oil or other vegetable oils.
Tips and Tricks
Cut open the thicker part of the chicken thigh:
Gently cut into the thicker areas of the chicken thighs to help the seasoning penetrate better. This also ensures the chicken cooks more evenly, preventing the problem of one side being overcooked while the other remains undercooked.
Enough marinating time:
Marinating for 30 minutes is key for flavor absorption. If you have the time, marinating for 1 hour or longer will allow the chicken to absorb more flavor and result in a richer taste.
Use onion as a base for added aroma:
Placing sliced onions at the bottom of the air fryer not only adds fragrance but also helps the chicken thighs cook more evenly, preventing them from drying out by directly touching the bottom of the basket.
Spray oil evenly:
Spraying a light layer of corn oil on the surface of the chicken helps it become golden and crispy while roasting. Be careful not to use too much oil, as this could make the skin greasy.
Control cooking time and temperature:
Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 22 minutes to ensure the outside becomes crispy while the inside remains juicy. If your chicken thighs are larger or thicker, you can extend the cooking time slightly, but avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from drying out.
Flip halfway for even heat distribution:
If your air fryer is smaller and you are cooking more than two chicken thighs, it’s recommended to flip them halfway through the cooking process. This ensures both sides are evenly cooked and gives a more consistent color.
How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
It typically takes about 22 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F). It’s recommended to flip the thighs halfway through to ensure even heat distribution, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, the cooking time may need slight adjustment, but 22 minutes is generally the ideal time. To ensure they are fully cooked, you can use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (about 165°F).
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·6 pieces chicken thighs
Additional Ingredients
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·1 onion
Seasonings
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·1 tablespoon soy sauce
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·1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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·1 tablespoon cooking wine
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·¼ teaspoon pepper powder
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·¼ teaspoon salt
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·2 cloves minced garlic
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·10ml corn oil
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Cut the thicker parts of the chicken thighs to help the seasoning penetrate better and ensure more even cooking.
Step 2
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, pepper, salt, and minced garlic.
Step 3
Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the air fryer basket as a base to enhance the aroma.
Step 5
Put the marinated chicken thighs into the air fryer basket.
Step 6
Lightly spray corn oil over the chicken thighs.
Step 7
Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 22 minutes. (Flip after 15 minutes and cook for another 7 minutes)
Step 8
After cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and enjoy!
More recipes worth trying
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Whole Chicken
Homemade Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer
Eating Suggestions
Pair with Vegetables
The crispy outside and tender inside of the chicken thighs pair perfectly with refreshing vegetables like roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, or a fresh salad. This combination not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Add Some Sauce
If you enjoy bolder flavors, try adding some barbecue sauce or garlic butter before serving. This will add layers of richness and deepen the taste of the chicken.
Serve with Rice or Bread
Chicken thighs are a classic pairing with rice or toasted bread, making the meal feel more complete. The juices from the roasted chicken will soak into the rice or bread, making each bite even more satisfying.
Pair with Tangy Ingredients
If the chicken feels a bit greasy, balance it with some tangy ingredients like lemon slices or pickled vegetables. Not only does this brighten up the flavor, but it also cuts through the richness, making the meal feel lighter.
Serve Cold or Hot
Grilled chicken thighs are delicious whether eaten cold or hot. They make a great addition to bento boxes or sandwiches. If they’re coming straight from the fridge, you can heat them up in the air fryer or microwave—this will keep the skin crispy.
FAQs:
Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C, place the chicken thighs on a baking tray, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.
Microwave: Place the chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium-high for 2-3 minutes to ensure even heating.
When using an air fryer or oven, you can enhance the flavor by placing onions or other aromatics at the bottom.
Avoid obstructing air circulation: Ensure that the foil does not fully cover the bottom of the air fryer, allowing air to flow freely to ensure the chicken thighs become crispy on the outside.
Placement: Use foil to wrap the bottom or sides of the food, but do not completely cover the heating element area of the air fryer to avoid fire risks.
Cleaning: Using foil can reduce the cleaning effort, especially when cooking foods with more fat.
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