Our Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs are a testament to both convenience and gourmet excellence. Crafted especially for busy moms, this recipe eliminates the need for breading, offering a guilt-free, gluten-free dinner. These Italian chicken thighs couldn’t be easier as they are made with a packed of Italian spices. They are a kid favorite.
Picture this: a time-saving masterpiece prepared in the air fryer, ready to grace the family table in just 25 minutes. The result? Crispy exteriors that yield to a succulent and juicy interior. For mothers seeking a harmonious balance between nourishment and efficiency, these Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs are the perfect choice.
We hesitated for a bit before jumping onto the air fryer trend, but once we finally embraced it, we found ourselves completely hooked! The speed and efficiency of cooking with an air fryer were a game-changer for us. The crispy results it delivers without the need for excessive oil are impressive, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Plus, the versatility of the air fryer opened up a world of culinary possibilities—from quick weekday meals to weekend indulgences. If you appreciate the perfect blend of convenience, health-conscious cooking, and delicious outcomes, we believe you’ll find the air fryer just as irresistible as we did! You might enjoy some of our favorites including Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs, air fryer salmon patties, and air fryer banana chips or these chicken thigh recipes Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thighs, Instant Pot Bone-In Chicken Thighs, and Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs.
Ingredients
Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are known for their rich flavor and moist meat. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. The skin adds an extra layer of flavor and can turn crispy when cooked properly. It also helps to protect the meat from drying out.
Dry Italian Seasoning Mix: Dry Italian seasoning mix typically consists of a blend of herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion. It brings a savory and aromatic profile to the dish. The combination of herbs in Italian seasoning complements various meat and poultry dishes, including chicken.
When using dry Italian seasoning mix with chicken thighs, it adds depth of flavor and a Mediterranean flair. The herbs in the seasoning blend perfectly with the natural taste of chicken and help elevate the overall taste of the dish. The combination of the herbs and spices in Italian seasoning can enhance the richness of the chicken thighs, making them even more delicious.
How To Make
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the cooking environment is optimized for the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and gently pat them dry using a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that coveted crispy texture during the air frying process.
Season:
Enhance the flavor profile by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken thighs with a Dry Italian Seasoning Mix. This blend adds a harmonious combination of herbs and spices, infusing the chicken with a delicious Mediterranean touch.
Arrange on the Air Fryer Rack:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs onto the air fryer rack. Ensuring proper spacing allows for optimal air circulation, contributing to an evenly cooked and crispy exterior.
Cook:
To enhance the crispiness further, give the top of the chicken thighs a light spray with non-stick cooking spray. This step not only promotes a golden exterior but also prevents sticking for a seamless cooking experience. Set the air fryer timer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook to golden perfection. After this initial period, flip the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking on both sides. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check for Doneness:
To guarantee that your chicken thighs are thoroughly cooked, use a reliable meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the chicken is not only crispy on the outside but also juicy and safe to consume on the inside.
Alternative Spice Options
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Place the baking pan on the rack under the air fryer pan as the chicken will drip and the pan will catch the juices. This eliminates having to clean the bottom of the air fryer after cooking.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding your food. This helps your chicken thighs cook evenly once they are added to the oven.
- Do not panic if you see smoke. Sometimes food will get lodged in the heating coil causing smoke. Simple unplug your appliance, remove the food from the heating coil, and continue cooking.
FAQ
For our recipe, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Yes, you can certainly put raw chicken in your air fryer. Make sure to use a thermometer to ensure it’s properly cooked to 165°F.
You really can’t go wrong when it comes to picking a recipe to serve with your air fryer chicken thighs. I recommend picking a different recipe each time you make fried chicken. We suggest Cheesy Mashed Potato Bites, Instant Pot Broccoli, How to Roast Acorn Squash, or Crock-Pot Red Potatoes.
It is highly recommended that you do not stack your chicken thighs. Stacking can cause uneven cooking – no one wants to bite into an undercooked piece of fried chicken!
Storage Instructions
For optimal freshness and safety, store your cooked Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation, which can affect the crispiness.
When reheating, use the air fryer or oven to help maintain the desired texture. While these chicken thighs are best enjoyed fresh, they can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing in a freezer-safe container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve both flavor and texture.
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- non stick cooking spray ✅
Ingredients
- 6 Bone-In, skin-on chicken thighs ✅
- 1 packet Dry Italian Seasoning Mix ✅
Instructions
- Prep the chicken and preheat the air fryer. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Using paper towel, pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with Dry Italian Seasoning Mix.6 Bone-In, skin-on chicken thighs, 1 packet Dry Italian Seasoning Mix
- Place onto the rack. Place chicken onto the airfryer rack. Spray top of chicken thighs with non-stick cooking spray.
- ⭐️Cook. Cook 10 minutes, flip, then cook 10 more minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Notes
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Nutrition
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Nicole says
These were amazing. Thanks for the great recipe!