Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for some kick (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh cilantro for garnish
If you’re out of lime, lemon works great too. And if you prefer, swap out the thighs for chicken breasts; just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by thoroughly washing your chicken thighs under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring the seasoning sticks well and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Marinating: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lime, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) for some heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- Seasoning the Chicken: Add your chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece is evenly coated on all sides. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for even better results, leave it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for chicken thighs that are roughly the same size to promote even cooking. Skinless and boneless thighs are preferred for quicker cooking and easier eating.
- Alternative Seasoning Options: For a simpler option, seasoning with just salt and pepper can still yield delicious results. For variety, try adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the marinade, or use a store-bought taco seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step ensures that the chicken starts cooking at the right temperature for optimal crispiness.
- Arranging the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This arrangement is key to ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook the chicken at 380°F (193°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and flip the chicken thighs to ensure they brown and crisp up evenly on both sides.
- Why Temperature and Time Matter: Cooking at the right temperature and for the correct duration is essential to achieving the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Adjust the time based on the size of your chicken thighs, cooking a bit longer for larger pieces.
- Serving: Once the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your pollo asado is moist and flavorful. Serve with a side of cilantro lime rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Always preheat your air fryer for the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and are great for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 per serving
- Sugar: Minimal; dependent on marinade ingredients
- Sodium: Moderate; adjust based on marinade salt content
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g per serving
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g per serving
- Unsaturated Fat: 7-12g per serving
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g per serving
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22-25g per serving
- Cholesterol: 70-80mg per serving
Keywords: air fryer pollo asado