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Air fryer chicken thighs from frozen on white plate.

Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Transform frozen chicken thighs into tender, crispy skinned perfection for a quick, delicious, and hassle-free air fryer dinner!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 321 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Frozen chicken thighs bone-in, skin on
  • Oil spray
  • 1 tablespoon Chili seasoning divided

Instructions
 

  • If your frozen chicken thighs are stuck together, you will need to run cold water over them until they separate.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  • Optional, but recommended: Using a sharp knife, score the tops of the chicken thighs through the skin and into the meat.
    4 Frozen chicken thighs
  • Spray each chicken thigh with oil and sprinkle each with chili seasoning. Do this on the chicken, not the air fryer basket.
    Oil spray, 1 tablespoon Chili seasoning
  • Place frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down in a single layer.
  • Air fry for 15 minutes at 400°F. After 15 minutes, turn each chicken thigh over using tongs so the skin side is up, and continue air frying another 10-15 minutes.
  • Check the internal temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh meat without touching the bone. The chicken thighs are done when the thigh meat registers at least 165°F internally. Continue cooking until the proper temperature is reached if needed.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
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Notes

Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Directions: (We use the Breville Smart Oven Air)
  1. If your frozen chicken thighs are stuck together, you will need to run cold water over them until they separate.
  2. Optional, but recommended: Using a sharp knife, score the tops of the chicken thighs through the skin and into the meat.
  3. Preheat air fryer oven to 400 degrees F. 
  4. Spray each chicken thigh with oil and sprinkle each with chili seasoning.
  5. Place frozen chicken thighs on the air fryer tray skin side down in a single layer. TIP: For easier clean up, place a small baking sheet lined with aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the air fryer toaster oven.
  6. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes.
  7. Turn each chicken thigh over so the skin side is up and continue air frying another 15 minutes.
  8. Check the internal temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh meat without touching the bone. The chicken thighs are done when the thigh meat registers at least 165 degrees F. Continue cooking until the proper temperature is reached if needed.
  9. Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 24gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 112mgPotassium: 336mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 975IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg