Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Avocado Sauce

This is fantastic for anytime of the year. It is also a perfect weeknight dinner. You can pan fry the chicken, bake, grill or my favorite air fry. This chicken thigh recipe is healthy, low carb and great for meal prep. Remove the skin for a healthier chicken. 

This was inspired by my other recipes on this site, Cilantro Lime Rice and Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan.

Let's start with the ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs
• Avocado oil
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Lemon pepper

Avocado Sauce:

• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Serrano pepper
• Garlic clove
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make crispy air fryer chicken thighs

Pat the chicken dry. Apply the oil and dry rub all over the chicken.

Always air fry skin side down.

Blend the avocado sauce ingredients.

Serve and enjoy!

Prepare the Chicken Thighs:

• Using a large bowl, start by patting the boneless chicken juicy thighs dry with paper towel. Dry chicken promotes a crispier skin.
• In a small bowl, combine baking powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon pepper. Mix well.
• Rub the chicken thighs with avocado oil, ensuring an even coating.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each thigh is well coated.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
• Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs SKIN SIDE DOWN in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them.
• Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of the chicken of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy (crispy skin).

Whip Up the Avocado Sauce:

• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the avocado sauce. In a blender, combine cilantro, sour cream, avocado, serrano pepper, garlic clove, lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
• Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust with your favorite seasoning to taste.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the chicken thighs are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer.
• Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle or dip the zesty avocado sauce generously over the top.

Substitutions

• Boneless skinless Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken drumsticks can be used as an alternative to boneless thighs. Adjust cooking time (cook time) accordingly.
  
• Avocado Oil: Olive oil, canola little oil, or grapeseed oil can be used as alternatives to avocado oil. Each imparts a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your preference.
  
• Baking Powder: A combination of baking soda and cream of tartar can replace baking powder. Use a 1:2 ratio (1 part baking soda to 2 parts cream of tartar).
  
• Salt: Sea salt, kosher salt, or table salt can be used interchangeably. Adjust the quantity based on personal taste preferences.
  
• Pepper: Use ground black pepper, white pepper, or red pepper flakes to add a different level of heat and flavor.
  
• Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika or a combination of sweet paprika and a dash of liquid smoke can be used as a substitute for smoked paprika.
  
• Garlic Powder: Minced fresh garlic, garlic cloves or garlic paste can be used instead of garlic powder, onion powder. Adjust quantities to taste.
  
• Lemon Pepper: A mixture of lemon zest and black pepper can replace lemon pepper seasoning. Alternatively, you can use a combination of lemon juice and black pepper for a similar citrusy kick.

Avocado Sauce:

• Cilantro: Parsley, basil, or a combination of mint and parsley can be used as alternatives to cilantro, depending on your flavor preferences.
  
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk yogurt or cashew cream can be considered.
  
• Avocado: Greek yogurt or mashed peas can provide a creamy texture similar to avocados. For a nutty alternative, try almond or cashew butter.
  
• Serrano Pepper: Jalapeño pepper or red pepper flakes can be used as a substitute for serrano pepper. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of heat.
  
• Garlic Clove: Garlic powder or minced garlic can replace a garlic clove. Adjust quantities to taste.
  
• Lime Juice: Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative to lime juice, providing a similar acidity.
  
• Honey: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup can be used as alternatives to honey. Adjust sweetness based on your preference.
  
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil can be used as substitutes for extra virgin olive oil, each with its own distinct flavor.
  
• Salt: Sea salt, kosher salt, or table salt can be used interchangeably. Adjust the quantity based on personal taste preferences.
  
• Black Pepper: White pepper or red pepper flakes can be used as alternatives to black pepper, providing different levels of heat and flavor. Adjust to taste.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Food Processoer or blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Bowls

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How to store and reheat

Storing Air-Fried Chicken Thighs with Avocado Sauce:

• Let it cool, store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Air-Fried Chicken Thighs

• Microwave (if needed):
  • Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and reheat in short intervals, checking for doneness.
• Air fry:
  • Air fry the chicken for 2 minutes until warmed through.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs- FAQs