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    Home » Air Fryer » Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs

    Published: Jun 24, 2021 · Modified: Oct 19, 2022 by Kemi · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Learn how to cook frozen chicken thighs in air fryer with this easy and quick air fryer frozen chicken thighs recipe that will give you perfectly cooked, moist, tender, and flavorful chicken with crispy skin.

    cooked chicken thighs served on a white plate.

    Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in air fryer? Yes, you can! Let me show you how to bake frozen chicken thighs in air fryer with this recipe that makes use of raw frozen chicken thighs with skin on and bone-in. It's so simple, quick, and tastes so good just as if you've used fresh. 

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs Recipe

    Easy air fryer frozen chicken thighs recipe you will love! Air fried to perfection then brushed with bbq sauce to give tasty, sticky bbq chicken thighs.

    I use this for when I forget to thaw chicken and let me tell you, it's magic! It's perfectly cooked at all times I've made it and I'll be sharing with you how to get the same result.

    The chicken thighs are seasoned with a few dried herbs and spices, yet flavorful and tasty.

    No need for marinating and unless you're told, you will not know it's cooked from frozen.

    I used bbq sauce to glaze the chicken in the last 5 minutes of cooking time but you can use other sauces like peri peri sauce, buffalo sauce, honey soy, and others.

    These baked frozen chicken thighs in air fryer are tender inside, and the skin crispy. It is flavorful, and delicious.

    Related: Air fryer frozen chicken drumsticks

    cooked frozen chicken thighs garnished with parsley.

    Ingredients

    The detailed ingredient lists, measurements, and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Chicken thighs - I have used frozen skin on, bone in thighs but you can use skinless, boneless chicken thighs too. Cooking time is listed for both.

    Paprika

    Garlic powder 

    Onion granules

    Pepper

    Olive oil

    Salt

    Bbq sauce - optional

    Ingredients displayed.

    How To Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air fryer

    Separate the thighs into individual pieces. If they are stuck together, run under water to deglaze and separate.

    In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion granules, paprika, pepper, parsley, salt, and oil. 

    Brush the seasoning marinade all over the chicken thighs. 

    seasoned thighs on a plate.

    Arrange the thighs in the air fryer basket with the skin side up. Arrange in a single file and not on top of each other.

    seasoned thighs arranged in air fryer basket.

    Put the basket in the air fryer and air fry at a temperature of 170C for 18 minutes, bring out the basket, turn the chicken thighs then air fry for another 15 minutes. 

    air fried chicken thighs in air fryer basket.

    Brush the chicken with bbq sauce, making sure you cover all parts then air fry at a temperature of 180C/360F for another 4 minutes to crisp the skin.

    thighs brushed with bbq sauce in air fryer basket.

    Put off the air fryer, bring the basket out, and let the chicken rest for 4 minutes. 

    Serve and enjoy.

    cooked frozen chicken thighs garnished with parsley.

    Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

    To cook frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs in air fryer, follow this step by step:

    Bring out the frozen chicken and remove all packaging.

    Mix the garlic powder, paprika, onion granules, pepper, parsley, salt, and oil in a bowl.

    Brush the seasoning mix all over the frozen boneless chicken thighs.

    Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.

    Set the air fryer to a temperature of 180C/360F and air fry frozen boneless chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes or till the internal temperature is at least 165F.

    When cooked, bring it out of the air fryer, serve and enjoy.

    How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air fryer

    How long to cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer depends on the size of the chicken thighs, and the brand of AF you use. Temperature and cooking time varies slightly with the type of air fryer so you might have to adjust the recommended cooking time below:

    For medium-sized bone in thighs, you should air fry at a temperature of 170C/ 340F for 30 -35 minutes.

    For skinless boneless chicken thighs, air fry at a temperature of 170C/ 340F for 15-20 minutes.

    Air frying at a low temperature ensures that it thaws and cook inside. Cooking at a high temperature might result in it being cooked and browned on the outside but uncooked on the inside.

    For the chicken to be cooked and safe to eat, the juice in the chicken must run clear and there should be no blood around the bone.

    It is also important that the internal temperature when checked with an instant thermometer should be over 165F/75C. Do not eat if the temperature is below stated as that might lead to food poisoning.

    3 pieces served on a plate.

    Serving Suggestions 

    Below are some recommendations of what to serve with chicken thighs:

    Air fryer potatoes, mashed potatoes

    Steamed vegetables, pan fried vegetables

    Spicy rice, flavoured rice, Jollof rice.

    Pasta

    Salads

    Coleslaws

    How To Store

    Let it cool completely, then pack in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container, then store in the fridge where it will keep for up to 4 days. 

    If you want to store it for longer then store it in the freezer where it will last for up to 6 months. 

    It can be reheated in the air fryer, or microwave from frozen or thawed. 

    To reheat from frozen in the microwave, put on a plate that is microwave safe, cover with a microwave dish cover then use the high settings of the microwave to warm it for 4 minutes or till warmed through.

    To reheat in the air fryer, put the chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry at a temperature of 170C/ 340F for 4 minutes or till heated through.

    Tips For Cooking Frozen Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

    • If the thighs are not in single pieces, run them underwater to separate them into individual pieces and pat dry before seasoning.
    • If you are unable to separate them by doing the above, air fry for about 3 minutes at which point they should be easy to separate into individual pieces, rub with the seasoning mix and continue to air fry.
    • Adjust the pepper quantity to how spicy you like your food.
    • Remember to arrange the chicken in a single layer and not overcrowd the basket as overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking with some parts cooking better than the other.
    • As air fryer brands vary with their temperature settings, you might have to adjust the temperature of your air fryer and it might also require you to cook for a lesser time or longer. 

    FAQS

    Can you cook chicken thighs from frozen?

    Yes, you can cook chicken thighs from frozen in the air fryer, and in the oven. If done right, the chicken comes out perfectly cooked with tender and juicy inside, and crispy skin. Use this recipe for a great result.

    Can you cook chicken from frozen in air fryer?

    Yes, the best kitchen gadget to cook frozen chicken is the air fryer. The even circulation of hot air circulating in the air fryer cooks frozen chicken evenly. Follow the step by step direction detailed in this post.

    How long does it take to cook frozen chicken thighs in air fryer?

    Depending on the size of the chicken thighs, and the type, model, and temperature of the air fryer, it takes between 25-35 minutes to bake frozen chicken thighs in air fryer.

    Frozen Breaded Chicken Thighs

    If you want to know if you can cook frozen breaded chicken thighs, the answer is Yes! Air fryer is great for frozen food. To cook it in the AF, follow these directions:

    Remove all packaging from the chicken thighs

    Arrange the breaded thighs in the air fryer and air fry at a temperature of 180C/360F for 25-35 minutes or until the internal temperature is at least 165F and the inside is cooked and tender, and the outer crispy.

    Tools

    Measuring spoons

    Bowl

    Air fryer

    Tong

    Instant meat thermometer

    Serving plates

    3pieces of the cooked chicken served on a plate.

    More Chicken Thighs recipes

    Teriyaki chicken thighs

    Boiled chicken thighs 

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    Boneless chicken thighs in air fryer

    Honey mustard chicken thighs

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    cooked frozen chicken thighs garnished with parsley.

    Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs

    Kemi
    Learn how to cook frozen chicken thighs in air fryer with this easy and quick air fryer frozen chicken thighs recipe that will give you perfectly cooked, moist, tender, and flavorful chicken with crispy skin.
    4.93 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, British, Mediterranean
    Servings 5
    Calories 230 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 pieces Chicken thighs
    • ½ tablespoon Paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon Onion granules
    • ¼ teaspoon Garlic granules
    • ½ teaspoon Parsley
    • 1 5g Stock cube (crushed) Optional
    • Salt to taste
    • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons Bbq sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Separate the thighs into individual pieces. If they are stuck together, run under water to deglaze and separate. 
    • In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion granules, paprika, pepper, parsley, salt, and oil. 
      Brush the seasoning marinade all over the chicken thighs.
    • Arrange the thighs in the air fryer basket with the skin side up. Arrange in a single file and not on top of each other.
    • Put the basket in the air fryer and air fry at a temperature of 170C/ 340F for 15 minutes, bring out the basket, turn the chicken thighs then air fry for another 15 minutes. 
    • Brush the chicken with bbq sauce, making sure you cover all parts then air fry at a temperature of 180C/360F for another 4 minutes to crisp the skin.
    • Put off the air fryer, bring the basket out, and let the chicken rest for 4 minutes. 
      Serve and enjoy

    Notes

    Tips
    • If the thighs are not in single pieces, run them underwater to separate them into individual pieces and pat dry before seasoning.
    •  If you are unable to separate them by doing the above, you can air fry for about 3 minutes at which point they should be easy to separate into individual pieces, rub with the seasoning mix and continue to air fry.
    • Adjust the pepper quantity to how spicy you like your food.
    • Remember to arrange the chicken in a single layer and not over crowd the basket as overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking with some parts cooking better than the other.
    • As air fryer brands vary with their temperature settings, you might have to adjust the temperature of your air fryer and it might also require you to cook for a lesser time or longer. 
    Other important information and tips are in the post body.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 35gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 257mgPotassium: 463mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 95IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg
      Keyword air fryer frozen chicken thighs, frozen chicken thighs in air fryer, how long to cook frozen chicken thighs in air fryer
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Bunmi says

        October 27, 2021 at 4:56 am

        5 stars
        This recipe is so great. My chicken thighs was delicious. I have this recipe saved. Thank you for sharing

        Reply
        • Kemi says

          October 27, 2021 at 12:58 pm

          I'm glad to read this. Thanks so much for the feedback.

          Reply
      2. Diane says

        October 27, 2021 at 10:46 pm

        How long and at what temperature if the thighs aren’t frozen? We like to brine the chicken prior to cooking.

        Reply
        • Kemi says

          October 28, 2021 at 7:29 pm

          200C/400F for 20-25 minutes depending on the size.

          Reply
      3. Leslie says

        October 28, 2021 at 4:27 am

        5 stars
        Haven’t tried it yet but looks wonderful thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to try it

        Reply
        • Kemi says

          October 28, 2021 at 7:27 pm

          Thank you 🙂

          Reply
      4. Liz Sosne says

        February 09, 2022 at 3:02 am

        5 stars
        I just discovered you Kemi. This blog looks wonderful. I will be trying out this delicious looking recipe this weekend. Thank you for your hard work!

        Reply
        • Kemi says

          February 11, 2022 at 3:40 am

          Thanks so much for your kind words Liz.

          Reply
      5. Carla says

        April 05, 2022 at 4:02 am

        5 stars
        I just made this tonight with some pan baked potatoes. It was crazy good and the aromas!!! I’ll definitely make this again.

        Reply
        • Kemi says

          April 05, 2022 at 12:26 pm

          I'm glad to read this. Thanks for the feedback.

          Reply

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      Hi, I'm Kemi,

      Welcome to ChickenVibes. Here on Chicken Vibes, you will find easy, tasty chicken recipes that i and my family make and eat.

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