Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs

Craving crispy, juicy chicken without blowing your keto diet? You’re in the right place! These Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs are a game-changer. They deliver unbelievably crispy skin and tender meat, all while staying incredibly low-carb. Forget soggy, bland chicken – this recipe is all about maximizing flavor and texture with minimal effort. Back when I first started keto, I thought I’d have to say goodbye to crispy chicken forever. Then, one desperate evening, I experimented with the air fryer, and BOOM – crispy, keto-friendly heaven! These are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or even a fancy keto-friendly brunch. You’ll love how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen!

Recipe Overview

Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Spoons and Cups
• Tongs

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs – Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make the most amazing crispy chicken that perfectly fits your keto lifestyle? These Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs are seriously easy. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that ultra-crispy skin! In a mixing bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In the same bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring that the skin is fully coated. Get under the skin of areas, if you can.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.

Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs

• Pat the chicken as dry as possible before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispy skin, you can increase the air fryer temperature during the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to add other herbs and spices, depending on your preference.

Variations of Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try on these Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs: Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley to the seasoning mix. Spicy Chipotle: Incorporate chipotle powder and smoked paprika for a smoky kick. Garlic Parmesan: Toss the cooked chicken thighs in grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder after they come out of the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs with your favorite keto-friendly sides, such as roasted vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts), a side salad with avocado dressing, or creamy mashed cauliflower. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. The rich savory flavours and texture of the chicken pair well with many keto friendly vegetables.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the skin is crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer will yield the best results for crispiness. Freezing is possible, however note that the skin may not be as crispy when thawed and reheated.

Nutritional Information

FAQ About Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs

Can I make Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken thighs ahead of time by seasoning them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a more flavorful finished product. Just be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking across these Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs.

What’s the best way to ensure my Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs are extra crispy?

The key to extra crispy chicken is to pat the chicken dry, don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and use a high temperature. Also, consider increasing the air fryer temperature for the last few minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

So there you have it! An incredibly easy way to get deliciously crisp and juicy chicken that perfectly fits your keto lifestyle. Give these Air Fryer Crispy Keto Chicken Thighs a try, and I’m sure you’ll be making them again and again. Don’t forget to share your results!

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