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    Home » Paleo

    Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Keto, Whole30, Nut Free)

    Published: Dec 29, 2020 · by Katie

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are only four ingredients, keto friendly, Whole30 approved and nut free!  They are coated in ground flax and spices, resulting in a flavorful, nut free crust.  These are the best crispy, yet tender and juicy chicken thighs!

    Healthy-Air-Fried-Chicken-Recipe

    I've been experimenting more and more with my air fryer.  Air fried vegetables are definitely my favorite, as I've shared many times on my Instagram account.

    But, chicken tenders and chicken thighs are also up there on the best foods to cook in the air fryer.  And this keto air fryer chicken thigh recipe not only tastes amazing, but is SO easy!

    These healthy air fried chicken thighs are:

    • Paleo & Whole30
    • low carb, keto friendly
    • egg free & dairy free
    • only 4 ingredients
    • take less than 30 minutes to make
    simple-air-fryer-chicken-thighs

    Ingredients in Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    Here's what you need to make these crispy chicken thighs:

    • chicken thighs (I used boneless)
    • ground flax
    • Garam Masala seasoning
    • salt

    Chicken Thighs

    This recipe makes 4-6 chicken thighs.  However, you may easily double or triple the ingredients to serve more.

    I used boneless thighs, which tend to be smaller than bone-in chicken thighs.  You may use either variety, but may have to cook bone-in thighs a bit longer.

    Flax

    Ground flax is used to coat the thighs, giving them a crispier and more flavorful exterior.  Almond flour would work as a replacement if you don't need this recipe to be nut free.

    Instead of buying pre-ground flax, I grind whole flax seeds in a coffee grinder.  This ensures that the ground flax is fresh and hasn't gone rancid.

    Seasoning

    This Paleo chicken thigh recipe is seasoned with salt and Garam Masala.  Garam Masala is a seasoning composed of: cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves and mace.  

    Pretty much any seasoning blend will work in place of the Garam Masala.  But, I highly recommend trying this seasoning if you haven't.  The flavor is amazing!  

    Chicken-Thighs-cooked-in-the-air-fryer

    How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

    These chicken thighs are first coated in a grain-free "breading", then cooked in the air fryer.  Super simple and delish! 

    I have the Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer, so the instructions will be for using this appliance.  It is a multi-function air fryer, meaning it also has the capacity to bake, broil and toast.  

    Here's the step by step process:

    First, make the grain-free breading for the chicken thighs.  In a small bowl, combine the ground flax, Garam Masala and salt.

    One at a time, dip the chicken thighs into the breading; coating just the tops and sides of the thighs.  Place the thighs on the wire air frying basket.  Then, set the basket on top of the drip pan.

    Next, plug in the air fryer.  Set the breaded chicken thighs on the top rack of the air fryer.  Set the temperature to 400 degrees F and turn the function to "air fry".  

    Lastly, set the timer to 15 minutes and cook!

    These chicken thighs will need to air fry for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs.  After 15 minutes, check the thighs to see that they are cooked through.  Cook an additional 5 minutes if needed.

    Cool slightly then serve!

    how-to-make-chicken-thighs-in-the-cuisinart-air-fryer

    This boneless chicken thigh recipe is a crowd-pleasing main dish that pairs well with almost anything.  Plus, it can easily be doubled to serve more.

    I love eating these crispy chicken thighs with anything from parsnip fries to zoodles, a couple slices of rosemary cassava bread or roasted brussels sprouts.

    how-to-cook-chicken-thighs-in-the-air-fryer

    More Paleo Chicken Recipes

    For more easy Paleo chicken recipes, check out these reader favorites:

    • Curry Crusted Chicken Tenders
    • Honey & Basil Flax Crusted Chicken Tenders

    Enjoy!

    Print
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    Healthy-Air-Fried-Chicken-Recipe

    Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
    • Author: Katie
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 chicken thighs
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Chicken thighs made in the air fryer - Paleo, Whole30, Keto friendly and nut free. 


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4-6 boneless chicken thighs
    • ¼ cup ground flax*
    • 1 tsp Garam Masala
    • ¾ tsp salt


    Instructions

    1. In a small bowl, mix together ground flax, Garam Masala and salt.
    2. Dip the chicken thighs into the mixture, coating the top and sides of the thighs.
    3. Place the thighs on the wire air frying rack with the drip pan underneath.  Place the pan in the upper slot of the air fryer.
    4. Plug in air fryer.  Set function to "air fry" and temperature to 400 degrees.  Then, set the timer for 15 minutes.
    5. Check that the thighs are cooked through.  Air fry an additional 5 minutes if necessary.

    Notes

    *I grind whole flax seeds in a coffee grinder to make fresh ground flax

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    gluten-free-air-fried-chicken-thighs-recipe

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    Curry Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Whole30, Vegan) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Candace

      January 02, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      Could you substitute chicken breast tenders? If so, would it be the same cool time and temp?

      Reply
      • Katie

        January 02, 2021 at 1:29 pm

        Yes, chicken breast will work too! The cooking time will vary by how thick the chicken breasts are, but the temperature will remain the same.

        Reply
    2. Katie

      December 29, 2021 at 6:13 am

      These are the best air fryer chicken thighs! Hope you all love them!

      Reply

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    Hi there!

    I'm Katie and I have a passion for baking healthy treats using real, whole food ingredients. On my blog you'll find a variety of sweet and savory recipes, all gluten free and dairy free. My mission is to make baking nutritious, delicious, simple and family friendly.

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