Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

If you have never attempted to cook frozen chicken thighs to tender this is the best method to create the perfect meal for your whole will family. High in protein they can be served with all sorts of sides. Just one of many easy air fryer recipes we love.

I think this cut gets a bad rap. If you have veered away from them and only cook chicken breast recipes get ready for more flavor and cheaper prices with these babies!

To be honest, I was the same way until I got into my 40’s. I couldn’t resist a huge package that was so cheap and figured I’d at least give them a whirl. They were so good I kinda’ never went back, which brings us here to cooking frozen meat today.

Ninja Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Thighs

Yes, you guessed it…I am forgetful. I don’t always remember to take out the main dish in the morning so it thaws out. BUT it doesn’t even matter anymore with these tips!

I started off figuring out how to cook air fryer frozen chicken wings. They were killer even though they were rock hard at the start. Then moved on to air fryer frozen chicken breastsand you couldn’t tell the difference.

You can also cook Instant Pot frozen chicken thighsif you want to with the lid that is not attached with this machine, then crisp the skin in your Foodi at the end with some sauce with the lid that is attached.

How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (Bone-in)

This will take about 20 minutes. What if yours are defrosted? You can make air fryer chicken thighsthat are not icy too if you remember to take them out, no problemo!! I kid you not if you made a batch of each with the same bbq on top you may be surprised.

I use a package of Frozen chicken thighs that aren’t defrosted. Bone in skin on chicken thighs are best if you ask me. If they are fresh I’ll share a link to timing for those below

When to Add the Sauce

Bbq sauce is great on top to give it tons of flavor and get crispy chicken skin the last few minutes. You can use any brand or variety you love for this. Salt and pepper and/or seasonings of your choice can be added too

You could alternatively just brush the top with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on top at the end. Then add a few more minutes once the insides are at the correct internal temperature and serve.

How do you know when frozen chicken thighs are done?

They are no different than if they were thawed to begin with. The middle needs to be cooked all the way thru or it will make you sick. 165 degrees F is ideal and then you want them to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside. You can also tell they are done when the juices run clear.

Cooking Tips

These were rock solid. Water was run over them so that they weren’t in one solid block. You really need them broken apart, but not thawed. It also helps to poke the top with a fork like you see here.

You’ll want to put them in with the skin side facing up so it can become the best consistency. If you need to run them under water to break them apart, just pat dry with paper towels before laying them inside.

Skinless isn’t really recommended though, I’ll tell you why. You want it (even if you don’t eat it) to keep the meat nice and moist when it is cooking. That added layer on the top will drip a bit over the protein and make it absolutely perfect. Believe me, I have tried it both ways.

Do it some night with your family. See if they can tell the difference between the two and then you’ll know you won’t have to worry in the future. If you use boneless you could take a few minutes off for the most part.

To cook properly you do need to break apart pieces of frozen meat. The best method is to run under cool water and gently pull apart until they break free. Then cook in air fryer, pressure cooker or oven as we share on our blog.

And that is really it, super easy overall and doesn’t take much time from start to finish. A great way to save dinner when you forgot to defrost your meat the night before. Other chicken thigh recipes are on the way here too my friends, I have made a lot of them over the past few years….

Traeger smoked chicken thighs are killer. Use apple chips or pellets for added flavor, great for summertime grilling with the fam bam.

I use any leftovers I have to make instant pot crack chicken casserole, usually the night after. I hate to waste food so…. If they aren’t frozen you can dice them up and turn them into air fryer teriyaki chicken served over white rice.