Cooking frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen hacks. I can go from freezer to dinner table in about 35 minutes without sacrificing flavor or texture. The skin turns out crisp, the meat stays juicy, and the seasoning gives every bite a delicious boost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how effortless and reliable this recipe is. There’s no need to thaw the chicken first, which saves me time and cleanup. Whether I’m using bone-in or boneless thighs, I get a tender, juicy result with a crispy golden skin. It pairs with everything from rice to pasta to veggies, and I can easily switch up the seasonings to match my mood.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
5–6 frozen chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion granules
1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
directions
I start by removing the frozen chicken thighs from their packaging. In a small bowl, I mix the paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and olive oil into a paste.
I rub the seasoning mix all over the frozen chicken thighs to coat them evenly. Then I place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each piece.
I air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Then I take out the basket, flip the thighs, and continue cooking for another 15–20 minutes until they’re fully cooked through. The internal temperature at the thickest part should be at least 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 5
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 325 kcal per serving
Variations
I like to switch up the seasoning mix with different blends like Cajun, lemon pepper, jerk, or Peri Peri depending on what I’m craving. Sometimes I brush the chicken with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or teriyaki glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor. If I’m using boneless thighs, I reduce the cooking time to 20–25 minutes.
storage/reheating
I store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and the skin is crisp again. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it softens the skin.
FAQs
Can I cook boneless chicken thighs from frozen in the air fryer?
Yes, I reduce the cooking time to 20–25 minutes at 400°F. I still check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
Do I need to thaw the chicken first?
No thawing needed. That’s what I love about this recipe—straight from freezer to fryer.
Can I stack the chicken thighs in the air fryer?
I don’t recommend stacking. I arrange them in a single layer with space between to allow even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
I use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temp should be at least 165°F at the thickest part.
Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, but they won’t get crispy. I prefer bone-in, skin-on for the best texture.
What should I serve with these chicken thighs?
I often pair them with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Is olive oil necessary?
Yes, a bit of oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes crisping, especially on the skin.
Can I use fresh chicken thighs instead of frozen?
Absolutely. If they’re thawed, reduce the cook time to 18–22 minutes depending on thickness.
What air fryer model do you use?
I use a standard basket-style air fryer with a 5-quart capacity, which fits about 5–6 chicken thighs easily.
Can I marinate the chicken before freezing?
Yes, I sometimes season the chicken before freezing. Then I cook it directly from frozen and it turns out flavorful and juicy.
Conclusion
These Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer are my go-to for quick, reliable dinners. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and no need to thaw, they check every box for convenience and taste. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this method never fails.
Print
Frozen Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer frozen chicken thighs are the ultimate quick-fix dinner. No thawing needed—just season, air fry, and enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken in under 40 minutes. Perfect with rice, veggies, pasta, or your favorite side.
Ingredients
5–6 frozen chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion granules
1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Remove frozen chicken thighs from packaging.
In a small bowl, mix paprika, Italian seasoning, onion granules, garlic granules, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
Rub seasoning mixture over all sides of the frozen chicken thighs.
Arrange chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
