Super crispy and flavourful Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe with Avocado Sauce. It is truly one of the best chicken dishes ever. Only less than 30 minutes and you have an amazing healthy and easy dinner.
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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.
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Let's start with the ingredients
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!
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.
Avocado Sauce:
- Cilantro: Parsley, basil, or a combination of mint and parsley can be used as alternatives to cilantro, depending on your flavor preferences.
- Avocado: Greek yogurt or mashed peas can provide a creamy texture similar to avocados. For a nutty alternative, try almond or cashew butter.
- 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
Top Tips for Success
- For extra crispy chicken
Pat the chicken dry. Only add spices and oil to keep it crisp. The secret ingredient to make it extra crispy: baking powder.
- Do not crowd the air fryer:
To guarantee even cooking and optimal crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each chicken thigh enough space to allow the hot air to circulate.
- Double Up on the Sauce:
The avocado sauce is the star of this dish, so don't hesitate to make extra. It's versatile and can be used as a dip for veggies, a topping for other proteins, or even as a salad dressing. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Related
Looking for other chicken recipes like this? Try these:
Other recipes to try
Best Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs with Avocado Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Using a large bowl, start by patting the boneless chicken juicy thighs dry with paper towel.
- In a small bowl, combine baking powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- 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 25 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).
- 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 the chicken with a drizzle or dip the zesty avocado sauce generously over the top.
Notes
- To guarantee even cooking and optimal crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each chicken thigh enough space to allow the hot air to circulate.
- The avocado sauce is the star of this dish, so don't hesitate to make extra. It's versatile and can be used as a dip for veggies, a topping for other proteins, or even as a salad dressing. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @eatwithcarmen in all social platformsFood safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Jimmie Jones says
The best crispy chicken in the air fryer I've ever had!!! 10/10
P says
I have never seen boneless thighs with the skin still on. Where do I find them haha. Skinless it is until then…
Carmen Spillette says
skinless works
marie says
i will not be using your recipes again due to how the print constantly jumps around and i have to keep scrolling to get back to where i was.
very annoying!
Carmen Spillette says
sorry about that.
Thomal says
The avocado sauce balances the saltiness of chicken. Good Job.
Lucinda says
I'm surprised how it blend well with the avocado sauce, i have never encountered this recipe before. Thanks
Ella says
can I use parsley instead of cilantro? I'm not really a fan of the taste of cilantro
Carmen Spillette says
Yes. Use whatever herbs you like.
Rebecca says
🥰🥰
Tyler H says
One of the best chicken dishes I've ever made... Skin was crispy in the air fryer and the meat was sooo moist. The sause is a must make, I use it on everything now.
Jill D says
Saw this on eat with Carmen's Instagram account and had to make it. I was not disappointed, it tasted as good as it looked. I'm hooked on this sauce 🥰