Hot Saucy Air Fryer Chicken Thigh

The Hot Air Fryer cooks deliciously seasoned chicken thighs for crisp, juicy perfection in just 18 minutes. Just add the spices and turn on the stove.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare some rice or pasta and some greens or salad, and you have really nice meal in less than 30 minutes. Chicken thighs are a perfect meal for an evening where you do not have a lot of time.

Chicken thighs are less expensive than a chicken breast, and the they retain their juiciness and flavor. As with most meats and poultry, the thigh bone is tastier than bone, and the crisp, tangy skin on those thighs will last for seconds

Know your ingredients

Before knowing the recipe, know your ingredients.

● Parmesan:

Parmesan cheese contains vitamins like vitamin A vitamin B6 and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. It is a rich source of protein and fat. If we roughly calculate, 1 ounce of parmesan cheese contains 10g of protein.

Parmesan cheese is easy to digest. Parmesan cheese can be used in different ways like it can be sprinkled on dishes. It can be used in soups, or be eaten just as a snack.

– Parmesan or Mozzarella?

Mozzarella cheese is made from cow’s milk. One low-fat mozzarella cheese stick has 80 calories, 7g protein, and 222mg calcium. Parmesan cheese has 333mg calcium that is almost 33% more than Mozzarella cheese.

● Chicken thighs:

Chicken thighs are very nutritious. One chicken thigh contains 13.5 grams of protein or 26 grams of protein for every 100 grams. 53% of the calories in chicken thighs originate from protein, while 47% originates from fat. 

Chicken is a rich source of protein, and if we calculate the percentage of protein in different cuts of cooked chicken, it will be like:

• Chicken breast: 54 grams in one breast, or 31 grams per 100 grams
• Chicken thigh: 13.5 grams in one thigh, or 26 grams per 100 grams
• Chicken drumstick: 12.4 grams in one drumstick, or 28.3 grams per 100 grams
• Chicken wings: 6.4 grams in one wing, or 30.5 grams per 100 grams

● Garlic cloves:

Garlic is used in dishes for flavor. Garlic is both cooked and raw an excellent source of vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin B6. It is low in calories. It also has traces of manganese, selenium, and fiber.

In this recipe, crushed or pressed garlic cloves are used.

– Substitution:

• 1 clove = 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 clove = 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 clove = 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 clove = 1/2 teaspoon garlic flakes
• 1 clove = 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 clove = 1/2 teaspoon garlic juice

In this recipe, crushed and pressed garlic is used.

● Kosher salt:

Kosher salt has crystals, and due to its size, it is best to draw moisture from the meat. Kosher salt is used in many dishes and is suitable for seasoning as well.

– The difference in common table salt and Kosher salt:

The difference in kosher salt and ordinary table salt is that table salt contains an anti-caking agent and has iodine. At the same time, Kosher is less likely to contain iodine and anti-caking agent. The kosher salt has bigger crystals than ordinary salt.

– Can table salt be used as a substitute?

Table salt can be used as a substitute, but the calculations should be done before adding table salt in place of kosher salt:

One teaspoon of table salt = 2 teaspoons of crystalized kosher salt.

● Italian seasoning:

Italian seasoning is a hand full of dry herbs like basil, oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, and savory. It does not contain any spice at all. Italian seasoning is used for aromatic purposes in many dishes, from sauces, pasta, and salads to meat and seafood. It can also be added to products like bread crumbs.

– The difference in Italian seasoning and Italian dressing

Italian dressing may be vinaigrette-type sauce created with oil and vinegar or lemon juice and seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil, dill, and fennel. You often can often purchase it in bottles.

● Black pepper:

Black pepper is used to add flavor and spice to the dishes. It adds a sharp and pungent flavor, and can also be used for seasoning your dish. Black pepper can be added to scrambled eggs, toast, and sauces. It is used in the dressing of salads. Black pepper is the most widely used pepper and can be used in almost every dish. 

● Olive oil: 

Olive oil adds flavor to the recipe. It will provide you a pleasing feel in the mouth. Olive oil can be used in different ways:

• As a dressing for the salad.
• In sauces for meat, fish, poultry, and vegetables.
• By drizzling over toast.

Virgin olive oil has various advantages for heart wellbeing.

In this recipe, it is used in the sauce.

● Parsley:

Parsley is a herb used commonly in American, European, and Middle Eastern cooking. It enhances the flavor of dishes like a soup, salads, and fish recipes. Parsley is rich in nutrients like vitamins A, K, and C. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. 

Parsley is a herb that can be used differently, such as in egg bakes, sauces, juices, or garnishing.

Parsley has anti-bacterial properties that help to boost the immune system.

– How to store parsley?

Fresh parsley can be kept in a refrigerator or at room temperature. It can last up to 2 weeks. Dried parsley may last for almost a year if stored in a refrigerator or dark place.

In this recipe, parsley is used for decoration.

● All-purpose flour:

All-purpose flour is a generally used wheat flour. It is a thickening agent that helps in the formation of the structure. The proteins present in it when hydrate forms gluten. It is commonly used in Indian cuisines. Flour is the main ingredient in baking recipes.

In this recipe, it is used as a coating.

● Eggs:

Eggs have a high number of vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of protein. It acts as a binding agent and adds moisture to the dish.  In this recipe, eggs are used for binding purposes.

Recipe, Ingredients, Tips and Nutritional information