Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (Crispy & Juicy)

Can you cook frozen chicken thighs in air fryer? Yes you can! And what a relief, because if you are anything like me and sometimes forget to thaw the meat, knowing how to air fry frozen chicken thighs is a lifesaver that pairs perfectly with my Crispy Garlic Fries.

Why you’ll love this recipe

You can air fry frozen chicken thighs in 25 minutes or less, so you don’t lose any time on busy nights.

• Budget Friendly: These frozen chicken thighs air fryer style are a great budget-friendly alternative to expensive chicken breast and go great with Easy Skillet Roasted Corn.
• Versatile: The beauty of chicken is you can use just about any flavor combo to make it perfect for your tastes. Once you know how long to cook frozen chicken thighs in air fryer, the possibilities are endless. 
• No Thawing: You don’t have to thaw the chicken at all, saving you HOURS. If you don’t have an air fryer, try my TENDER Cast Iron Chicken Breast – it’s so good!

Love chicken? You’ll love my Creamy Mustard Chicken (Best ever!), Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta or Easy Chicken and Chorizo Risotto.

Ingredients

To get the best results when you air fryer frozen chicken thighs, keep these essentials in mind:

• Bone in, skin on chicken thighs: Using frozen chicken thighs in air fryer trays works best when pieces are separated. If they are frozen together, run them under water to separate them so they cook better.
• Seasoning: I like to use salt and pepper as a base. You can also use a nice spice blend to boost the flavor or make something bolder like my Easy Chicken Piccata.
• Spray oil: A little bit of oil spray helps the skin get nice and crispy while it cooks. This is a vital step for anyone wondering can you cook chicken thighs from frozen and still get that perfect golden crunch. Pair them with my favorite Roast Potatoes for the crunchiest meal ever.

See the recipe card for full details.

Variations/ Adaptations

The great thing about this frozen chicken thighs in air fryer method is that you could make them every night of the week with different blends.

• Different flavors: If you are wondering can you air fry frozen chicken thighs with different seasonings, the answer is YES! You can try anything from poultry seasoning to Cajun to keep the flavors interesting. You can even use the glaze from my Easy Gyoza Dipping Sauce for an Asian twist.
• Classic BBQ: BBQ sauce is a classic on the grill, so why not add it here? You can also try the sauce from my Sweet Chilli Chicken for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Oven alternative: If your air fryer is full, you might want to know how to bake frozen chicken thighs instead. Simply bake them at 200°C for 35-45 minutes until they reach a safe temperature.

How to make Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Airfryer

Preheat your airfryer for 3 minutes at 395°F (200°C).

1. Place the frozen chicken thighs, skin facing down, evenly across the airfryer basket so they aren’t touching. Pop in the airfryer to cook for 10 minutes at 360°F (180°C) (Image 1).
2. Combine 1 tbsp of rapeseed oil with the paprika, onion/garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper (Image 2).

3. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken with tongs so that the skin is facing up. Coat the skin with the spice/oil mix, then pop back into the airfryer for 15 -18 minutes at 360°F (180°C) (Image 3).

4. Cook and check the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Tip – for extra flavour, you can use the juices in the bottom of the airfryer basket to baste the skin when there’s 10 minutes left!  Serve up and enjoy! (Image 4).

Pour over some onion gravy or serve the chicken with my Easy Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta and Mediterranean Vegetables.

Mastering Bone-In vs Boneless Frozen Thighs

Cooking frozen chicken thighs in air fryer is possible whether you use bone-in or boneless cuts. Bone-in, skin-on thighs (which this recipe uses) are usually cheaper and produce more tender, juicy meat with crispy skin. However, frozen boneless chicken thighs in air fryer are a fantastic lower-fat option that cooks much faster.

When cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs, you follow the same instructions but reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Regardless of the cut, the best way to ensure they are done is to check for an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃) using a meat thermometer. Always arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate. This prevents the meat from steaming and ensures that “fried” texture we all love.

Serving Suggestions

This frozen chicken thighs in air fryer recipe is so versatile you could pair it with almost anything. The frozen chicken thigh air fryer method gives you juicy meat that goes perfectly with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.

• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
• Easy Skillet Roasted Corn
• Simple Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe
• Parmentier Potatoes

Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions

Storing your frozen chicken thighs in air fryer leftovers properly is key to maintaining their quality.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: You can also freeze the leftover chicken thighs in the freezer for up to 3 months in a regular upright freezer or 1 year in a deep freezer. Freezing cooked portions is a helpful tip if you want to meal prep and avoid the full process of how to cook chicken thighs from frozen every time you need a quick dinner.

Reheat: To reheat, microwave in 10-15 second bursts until warmed through or you can also reheat them in the air fryer.  Just preheat the air fryer to 350℉ (177℃ ) then place the chicken in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes if it is from the fridge, or for 5-6 minutes if it is from the freezer.

Here are some articles to help you with re-heating: How to Reheat Rotisserie Chicken: 7 Easy Ways, The Best Way to Reheat Chicken Wings in the Airfryer and The Best Way To Reheat Salmon.

FAQs

Pair these chicken thighs with soups like Creamy Leek and Potato Soup {without Cream}, Creamy Parsnip Soup, or Easy Carrot and Coriander Soup.