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

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!

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

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!  

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!

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.

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!

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