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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Keto, Paleo, and Gluten-Free!)

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In my opinion, chicken thighs are highly underrated.

In addition to being insanely cheap, chicken thighs are also incredibly flavorful and packed with protein as well as (the good kind of) fat. Maybe the fact that chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts is a reason that this cut is often overlooked.  If this has been stopping you from buying chicken thighs, fear no more: the general health consensus is that a little mono-saturated fat (the kind you get from foods like chicken thighs) is actually really good for you! And if you live a Keto lifestyle (as many of our readers do), the extra fat is extra desirable!

Aside from being budget and flavor-friendly, I also love chicken thighs because of the delicious crispy skin that they get when you fry them up in the pan. Today’s recipe, Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, shares how to get deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken thighs by using an air fryer. This method means less unhealthy fats than the traditional skillet method, less risk of burning, and less time!

Another reason that I love this method is because it satisfies all the “fried chicken” cravings, but in a much healthier way! I try to avoid gluten as much as possible, and this recipe doesn’t call for any flour/batter. Instead, the chicken thighs get evenly crispy in the air fryer–no gluten or carbs required. This dish would be perfect for anyone following a gluten free, Paleo or Keto lifestyle. However, it’s delicious enough that it’s really perfect for anyone!

The first thing you’ll do is prepare your air fryer. I like to spray the basket with my favorite non-stick cooking spray. Next, you’ll rub your chicken thighs down with a little olive oil on all sides. Olive oil is another one of those wonderful healthy fats that we love!

Once they’ve been coated in olive oil, sprinkle the chicken thighs with dried Oregano, Paprika, salt and pepper.

Next, cook the chicken thighs in your air fryer at 390 for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to remove them and flip them over about halfway through. The exact time they need to cook depends on the thickness of the chicken thighs,  as well as the wattage of your air fryer.

When you think it’s looking fully cooked, check the chicken with an instant read thermometer for a temperature of 180 degrees. Remove from air fryer and enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken thighs! This would be perfect served with some sheet-pan veggies (if you’re Keto) or mashed potatoes (if you’re not!) 

What are your thoughts on Chicken Thighs? Love them? Scared of them? Willing to try them?

Let us know if you try these out and what you think!

 

 

 

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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  • Author: Trish Corlew

Description

These flavorful, crispy chicken thighs have no carbs, no gluten and no guilt! Better yet, you cook them in an air fryer to save time and ensure that they get that perfect “crunch,” every time.  While these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are an ideal choice for those following a gluten-free, Paleo or Keto lifestyle, they are truly a winning option for any crowd!


Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken thighs

2 teaspoons olive oil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil on all sides.
  3. Sprinkle with seasonings on all sides.
  4. Cook at 390 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway.  Remove from air fryer and serve warm. 

Notes

Exact time depends on the thickness of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer. Test the chicken with an instant read thermometer for a temperature of 180 degrees.

 

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