Air fryer chicken thigh fillets

Air fryer chicken thigh fillets

1 h
Looking for a quick yet flavourful meal? Dive into this straightforward recipe that showcases the succulence of chicken thigh fillets using the efficiency of an air fryer. Enhanced with a marinade of soy sauce, five-spice powder, honey, and garlic, this dish promises to deliver on both taste and convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a no-fuss, delicious meal.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/air-fryer-chicken-thigh-fillets/

Instructions

  • Place chicken fillets in a bowl. Mix with soy sauce, spices, honey, and garlic. Chill for about 30 minutes.
  • Mix crème fraiche and Gochujang and chill.
  • Place the chicken in the basket of your air fryer.
  • Cook at 200°C for about 20 minutes. The internal temperature should be at least 72°C when done.
  • Cook rice according to the instructions on the packet. Slice spring onions.
  • Cut the chicken into slices and serve with rice and sauce. Top with spring onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy!
Tip

The golden rule when cooking any meat, particularly chicken, is to ensure its safety. The internal temperature of the chicken must reach at least 72°C. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy and to ensure that the meat is cooked perfectly.

Tip

Finally, when it comes to the actual cooking in the air fryer, placement is key. Overcrowding the chicken pieces can result in uneven cooking. By giving each piece its space, you allow the hot circulating air of the fryer to do its job, ensuring that each fillet cooks evenly to crispy perfection on the outside while retaining its juicy tenderness within.

Questions about chicken thigh fillets in air fryer

Air fryer chicken thigh fillets are a juicy delicacy, but how long should you cook the poultry, what seasoning to use, and what to serve with it? We have got all the answers below.

How long to cook chicken thighs in air fryer?
In this recipe the chicken thigh fillets are cooked in the air fryer at 200°C for about 20 minutes. Always ensure that the internal temperature is at least 72°C.
What seasoning to use for chicken thigh fillets in air fryer?
We recommend a marinade of Japanese soy sauce, five-spice powder, liquid honey, and finely chopped garlic. This blend ensures a sweet, salty, and aromatic taste to the chicken.
What to serve with air fryer chicken fillets?
Serve the chicken thigh fillets with fragrant Jasmine rice. Enhance the dish further with a spicy chilli dressing made from crème fraiche and Gochujang. Top with freshly sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavour and texture.

Ingredients

Chicken thigh fillets
450 g
Marinade
Japanese soya sauce
2 tbsp
Five-spice powder
1 tbsp
Liquid honey
2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
3
Sauce
Creme fraiche
200 ml
Gochujang
1 tbsp
To serve
Servings of jasmine rice
2
Spring onions
1 bunch
Sesame seeds, toasted
4 tbsp

Make savoury chicken thigh fillets in air fryer

Air frying turns chicken thigh fillets into a mouth-watering treat, so it is no surprise that this recipe is popular. The hot circulating air ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, resulting in a golden-brown exterior that is crispy to the touch while preserving a tender and juicy inside. Furthermore, it reduces cooking time and is incredibly easy to make.

If you want to try more air fryer recipes with chicken, take a look at these for air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer nuggets, or a whole air fryer chicken. You can also try different sides, for example, air fryer sweet potatoes or air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts.

Add flavour and depth with a delicious marinade

The secret weapon of any delectable chicken dish is often the marinade. The combination of Japanese soy sauce, five-spice powder, honey, and garlic infuses the chicken thigh fillets with delicious flavours. The soy sauce adds a salty depth, while the honey lends a sweet undertone. Thanks to the garlic it also gets an aromatic punch, and the five-spice powder wraps everything up with its warm, complex flavours. Marinating allows these ingredients to penetrate the chicken and ensures that every bite is bursting with taste.

Serve with rice, spring onion, and chilli dressing

Every main course requires the right side to round off the meal. Jasmine rice has a fragrant aroma that acts as the perfect bed for the chicken, soaking up any leftover marinade and complementing the savoury taste of the meat. The spring onions add a fresh crispness and colour to the plate. And the kicker? The chilli dressing made from crème fraiche and Gochujang offers a spicy, creamy contrast, making the entire dish irresistibly tantalising.

Play with flavours, textures, and accompaniments

Cooking is not just about following a recipe to the letter; it is about weaving your personal touch into every dish by playing with different flavours, textures, and sides.

If the fragrant, slightly sticky texture of Jasmine rice is not your thing, consider swapping it out. Brown rice, for example, offers a chewier texture and a more robust flavour profile, perfectly soaking up the flavourful juices from the chicken.

You can also change the marinade. While our suggested combination offers a sweet and salty depth, there is always room for adding layers of flavour. Craving a tangier edge? Introduce some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice. The vibrant citrusy notes can give the chicken a refreshing undertone. Grated ginger is another excellent addition, contributing a warm spiciness that dances on the tongue and pairs beautifully with the other marinade ingredients.

Finally, texture plays a crucial role in making every bite more interesting. Roasted peanuts or cashews or perhaps some crispy fried onions can provide a delightful contrast to the chicken thigh fillets.