Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs —Are you looking for an easy and delicious dinner that will satisfy your family? Look no further! These air fryer ranch chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, simple to make, and packed with all the classic flavors of the ranch.
They are sure to become a weeknight favorite meal in your household! The combination of spices from the dry ranch seasoning packet and tender chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer gives this dish an amazing flavor.
It is scrumptious and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when getting dinner on the table is critical! This 30 minute meals is perfect, served with Instant Pot Rice or even more flavor. You will not regret making Ranch Chicken Air Fryer.
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs are amazing! With only a few ingredients, you can make this amazing dish, and it’s so flavorful!
Five ingredients are all you need to get crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside! It might be one of the best air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipes yet!
Everyone loves ranch dressing, and the ranch does an amazing job coating the chicken and adding great flavor!
If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER POLLO ASADO CHICKEN, AIR FRYER SESAME CHICKEN, AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC FRIED CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER BROWN SUGAR CHICKEN.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thigh Recipe
- 2 Ingredients
- Family-friendly
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Great with any side dish
- Use bone-in or boneless thighs
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs
Are you looking for a delicious but healthier alternative to your usual fried chicken recipes? Air fryer ranch chicken thighs are quick and easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Not only is this recipe healthy and light, but the combination of the homemade ranch mix gives it an irresistibly creamy taste while maintaining that crispy texture – this is definitely one meal your family will love! This blog post will teach you the necessary ingredients to recreate this tasty dish.
Remember the step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient list in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post and the nutritional information.
- Chicken Thighs (Bone-In or Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs): Depending on your preference, both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs work well for this recipe. Bone-in tends to be juicier and more flavorful due to the bone, while boneless might be quicker to cook.
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix, Homemade Ranch Dressing, or Dry Ranch Dressing
When mixed together, these ingredients create the iconic and tangy ranch flavor, perfect for seasoning chicken thighs before grilling, baking, or air frying. The combination of herbs and spices ensures a flavorful and aromatic result.
How To Cook Ranch Chicken Thighs Air Fryer
Are you looking for an easy way to make delicious, juicy chicken thighs right in the comfort of your own home? With the air fryer, you can whip up a tasty, quick meal that doesn’t require much effort!
Below, we will show you how to prepare some zesty ranch-flavored air-fried chicken thighs using simple ingredients. Not only is it a healthy option compared to deep-fried dishes, but with its crispy outer layer and tender texture inside, it’s sure to please everyone! Let’s get started cooking our ranch chicken thighs air fryer style!
Step 1: Prep the chicken
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 3-5 minutes.
Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Transfer the packet of ranch into a small bowl. Next, rub the thighs with ranch dressing and place chicken thighs into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 2: Cook
Set the cook time for 15-20 minutes, and flip halfway during cooking.
Step 3: Serving
Use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Before removing, air fryer boneless chicken thighs should be 165 degrees F.
Serve ranch chicken thighs with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Pro Tips For Cooking Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs
- Even Coating: Ensure the chicken thighs are evenly coated with the dry ranch seasoning mix. This ensures that each bite has the delightful tang and herb-filled ranch flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Not all air fryers require preheating, but doing so can help the chicken get that crispy skin from the get-go.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Lay the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and the desired crispy finish. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Temperature Check: A meat thermometer guarantees the chicken is cooked safely. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Skin Side Up: If you’re using bone-in, skin-on thighs, start by placing them skin-side up to ensure the skin becomes nice and crispy.
- Pat Dry: Paint the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking. Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispier skin.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Bone-in thighs might take longer to cook than boneless. Keep this in mind and check for doneness accordingly.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the dry ranch seasoning mix according to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Clean Air Fryer: Clean your air fryer basket after cooking to remove any leftover bits. This prevents them from burning the next time you use the appliance.
Armed with these tips, you’re set to enjoy some of the most flavorful and crispy chicken thighs, all thanks to the convenience and efficiency of the air fryer. Happy cooking!
FAQ’s About Making Ranch Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Do I need to use oil when air frying chicken thighs?
While the air fryer requires less oil than traditional frying, lightly brushing the chicken thighs with a small amount of oil or cooking spray can help achieve crisper skin.
Can I use store-bought ranch seasoning instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought ranch seasoning can be a time-saver. Just be mindful of the salt content, as commercial seasonings can sometimes be saltier than homemade.
How long should I cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Cooking times can vary based on the size of the thighs and whether they are bone-in or boneless. Generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes, but it will take longer, and it’s recommended to defrost them first for more even cooking and better flavor absorption.
How can I avoid smoke coming from my air fryer while cooking?
Ensure your chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning and cooking. Excess fat or water can cause the air fryer to smoke. Additionally, placing a small amount of water in the bottom of the air fryer can help prevent smoking.
Why aren’t my chicken thighs crispy?
It could be due to overcrowding in the air fryer basket or not cooking them at the right temperature. Ensure they are in a single layer and try increasing the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) for the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I reheat leftover ranch chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is great for reheating fried foods as it retains their crispiness. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
What can I serve with these ranch chicken thighs?
These chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides, from green salads, green beans, coleslaw, and roasted veggies to mashed potatoes or rice.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use the same recipe for chicken breasts, chicken legs, or wings?
Yes, the ranch seasoning works well with other parts of the chicken, too. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the cut’s thickness and size.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- EASY AIR FRYER CRISPY CHICKEN THIGHS
- TRADER JOE’S SHAWARMA CHICKEN THIGHS
- AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN AND WAFFLES
- EASY AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN
- LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs offers a culinary experience that marries the convenience of modern cooking technology with the timeless, tantalizing flavors of ranch seasoning. This dish doesn’t just promise a crisp exterior but also guarantees a succulent inside, making it an irresistible main course.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe will become a staple in your repertoire, proving once again that flavorful dinners don’t have to be labor-intensive. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a quick yet delectable meal, let your air fryer and this recipe guide the way!
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Thighs
Description
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in
- 1 package ranch seasoning, dry mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. Then pat your chicken dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel. Next, rub the chicken with ranch dressing and then place it into the air fryer basket.
- Set the timer to 20 minutes, flip halfway during the cooking process.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Before removing, it should be 165 degrees F.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or a sealable jar.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition
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