011: AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS

🍗 Air Fryer Chicken Thighs — Crisp-Skin Comfort

Archetype: The Hearth Guardian — golden skin, juicy core, the simplest path to weeknight soul food.

🥣 What It Is

Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer until crackly on the outside and tender within. A versatile, 20-minute staple with endless flavor paths — classic garlic-herb, smoky paprika, or spicy gochujang glaze.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 3–4)

• Chicken: 4–6 bone-in, skin-on thighs (or 1½ lbs boneless, skinless), patted very dry
• Season base: 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp fine sea salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Flavor add-ons (choose 1 path):
  • Classic Garlic-Herb: 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp dried oregano/thyme
  • Smoky BBQ: 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp onion powder • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Spicy Fusion: 1 tbsp gochujang + 1 tsp soy/tamari • 1 tsp honey/monkfruit
• Finish: lemon wedges • chopped parsley or cilantro

✍️ Method (20–25 min)

1. Preheat: Heat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Season: Pat thighs very dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chosen flavor path.
3. Arrange: Place thighs skin side down in air fryer basket in a single layer (no crowding).
4. Cook: Air fry at 400°F:
   • Bone-in, skin-on: 22–24 minutes, flipping at 12 minutes.
   • Boneless, skinless: 16–18 minutes, flipping at 9 minutes.
5. Check doneness: Internal temp should hit 165°F / 74°C. Skin should be golden and crisp.
6. Serve: Rest 3 minutes. Plate with lemon wedges and herbs.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Extra crispy: Add 1 tsp baking powder to spice mix (dry rub) for shatter-crisp skin.
• Marinade option: Thighs can be marinated 2–12 hours; pat dry before air frying for max crisp.
• Meal prep: Cooked thighs reheat beautifully at 350°F for 5 minutes in the air fryer.

📜 Lore / Origin

The thigh is the cook’s cut: tender, forgiving, flavor-packed. Once slow-roasted or grilled, it now thrives in the air fryer—quick enough for Tuesday, delicious enough for Sunday supper.

🌺 Benefits

• High satiety: protein + balanced fats for steady energy
• Air-fry method: crisp texture with minimal oil
• Versatile flavor paths: classic, smoky, or spicy to match mood

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Comfort Factor: 20/20
• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Crisp & Juiciness: 20/20
• Ease & Speed: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — The thigh, perfected by air.