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Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Thighs
- Category: Dinner |
Here’s the thing, this chicken is perfect for a salad or rice bowl but it tastes THAT good it might not last long enough to make it to the salad.
SERVES
3
CALORIES
200
COOKING TIME
15 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the bold flavours of Cajun seasoning with the convenience of air frying. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a bit of spice to their weeknight dinners or impress guests with a flavourful meal.
Why Make Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer?
Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer offers numerous advantages. Firstly, the air fryer cooks quickly and efficiently, allowing bone-in chicken thighs to be ready in just 16 to 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The high heat locks in moisture, resulting in incredibly juicy and tender meat, especially when using skin-on thighs that crisp up beautifully.
Additionally, air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, requiring little to no oil, which significantly reduces fat content without sacrificing flavour or texture. Cleanup is minimal, as most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher safe, allowing for quick post-cooking tidying. Finally, the versatility of flavours means you can easily experiment with various seasonings, from classic garlic and paprika to bold Cajun or BBQ styles, making air-fried chicken thighs a delicious and adaptable option for any meal.
Are there any other seasonings I can use instead of Cajun?
If you’re looking to switch things up from Cajun seasoning for your Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Thighs, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to consider. One great option is Italian seasoning, which combines a mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for a fragrant and savoury flavour profile. Alternatively, you could use a homemade chicken seasoning blend featuring paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for a well-rounded taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat without the Cajun spice, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix. If you’re in the mood for something different, try a curry powder blend for an exotic twist or even a smoky barbecue rub for a sweet and tangy finish.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Thighs In The Air Fryer
Air fryers offer several advantages when preparing Cajun chicken thighs:
- Air fryers require little to no oil, resulting in a lower-fat dish compared to traditional frying methods.
- Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- The circulating hot air ensures a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying, without the excess oil.
- Air fryer baskets are typically non-stick and dishwasher safe, simplifying the post-cooking clean-up process.
How To Guide
If you want a step by step guide on how to make these air fryer cajun chicken thighs, check out my TikTok video:
@boredoflunch Airfryer Cajun Chicken #chicken #bbq #cajun #airfryermaster #airfryer #fypシ #foryou #mealprep #fyp #thigh #chickenthighs #food #airfryerrecipes
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
If you enjoy air fryer chicken recipes like this, you can check out some more Bored of Lunch air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken
- Air Fryer Hunters Chicken
- Air Fryer Sticky Fajita Chicken Tenders With Hot Honey Glaze
And for more quick and easy air fryer recipes like this, you can pick up a copy of my latest book Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals or my OG air fryer book The Healthy Air Fryer Book on Amazon today.
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Method
Step 1
Preheat the Air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2
Pop the chicken thighs in a zip lock bag with 2 the cajun seasoning, juice of a lime and tablespoon of oil and mix together so the chicken thighs are thoroughly coated. Once done, pop the chicken thighs in the air fryer for 14-15 mins at 200°C (390°F).
Step 3
Juicy, crispy and just everything tbh. I never cook thighs in the oven now! If you enjoyed this air fryer recipe, be sure to pick up a copy of Air Fryer 30 Minute Meals for more quick and easy airfryer recipes like this.
Ingredients
400g (14 oz) of Boneless chicken thighs (pop in a ziplock bag with the other ingredients)
2 tbsp cajun seasoning
Juice of a lime
1 tbsp of oil