Juicy and Delicious Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer Method)
Revitalize Your Frozen Chicken Thighs! Crispy and Tender Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe
I found some chicken thighs tucked away in my freezer, likely put there by yours truly! Though I can’t recall exactly when, they’ve been there for months, and it was high time they were transformed into a delicious meal. It’s funny how we often think we have nothing to cook with, only to discover forgotten treasures in our own kitchens. Today, I turned those long-forgotten chicken thighs into a simple yet incredibly flavorful pan-seared dish. I used my air fryer for this recipe, but you can easily achieve similar results in a regular frying pan. Let me guide you through making these delectable chicken thighs!
Chicken Thigh Ingredients- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, for aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Rinse them thoroughly under cool running water to remove any surface impurities. Then, place them in a colander and allow them to drain completely. Ensuring the chicken is dry is crucial; excess moisture can prevent the marinade from adhering properly and may cause splattering during cooking.
Step 2
In a medium-sized bowl, let’s create the flavorful marinade. Combine 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 tablespoon of plum extract, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined to form a smooth marinade.
Step 3
Add the drained chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. If you have fresh rosemary sprigs, add them now – they impart a wonderful aroma and help neutralize any chicken odor, though they can be omitted if unavailable. Gently toss the chicken with the marinade using your hands, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, you can marinate it for up to an hour.
Step 4
After marinating, transfer the chicken thighs to your air fryer basket or a baking sheet suitable for your air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows for even cooking and crisping.
Step 5
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Once preheated, carefully place the chicken thighs inside and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your specific air fryer model.
Step 6
After the initial 10 minutes, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Flip each chicken thigh to ensure even browning. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking at 180°C (350°F) for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7
Once the chicken thighs have cooked for a total of about 20 minutes, they should be beautifully golden brown and tender. To check for doneness, insert a skewer or fork into the thickest part; the juices should run clear. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful chicken thigh dish!
