Air fryer chicken thigh fillets
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.
Ingredients
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Chicken thigh fillets
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450 g |
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Marinade
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Japanese soya sauce
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2 tbsp |
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Five-spice powder
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1 tbsp |
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Liquid honey
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2 tbsp |
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Garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
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3 |
Sauce
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Creme fraiche
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200 ml |
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Gochujang
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1 tbsp |
To serve
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Servings of jasmine rice
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2 |
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Spring onions
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1 bunch |
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Sesame seeds, toasted
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4 tbsp |
Instructions
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?
What seasoning to use for chicken thigh fillets in air fryer?
What to serve with air fryer chicken fillets?
Other recipes
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.
