Our frozen bone-in chicken thighs in air fryer recipe (at 350) with bbq sauce turnout perfect with tender meat and crispy chicken skin. Cooking frozen meat to tender in a cosori or ninja foodi can create a healthy delicious dinner right out of the freezer.
If you have never attempted to cook frozen chicken thighs from right out of the freezer this is the best method of all. You get a high in protein meal in just minutes and is just one of our many easy air fryer recipes that we love.
I think this cut gets a bad rap. If you have veered away from them and only cook white meat 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.
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! (and by the way you can make it in a Ninja Foodi too!!)
I started off figuring out the perfect way of baking frozen chicken thighs but I don’t always want to use the oven, especially in the summer months. So then I journeyed on to this method which kept my house cooler. 😉
You can also cook Instant Pot frozen chicken thighs if 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.
Ingredient Notes
I use a package of Frozen chicken thighs that aren’t defrosted. Bone in skin on chicken thighs are best if you ask me. The key to success for right out of the freezer is to separate them from one another. If stuck, run under cool water and pull.
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 Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer at 350 (Bone-in)
This will take about 20 minutes. What if yours are defrosted? You can make air fryer chicken thighs that 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.
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
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.
Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 6-10 medium chicken thighs, bone in, skin on, frozen
- 4-6 tbsp barbecue sauce, optional
Instructions
- Place frozen chicken thighs in air fryer basket with skin side facing up. (if stuck together run water over the top so they separate). Poke top with a fork 1-2 times. Set to 350 F for 20 minutes (timing will depend on size, these were on the smaller size)
- Check internal temp. to insure they are 165 F in the thickest part. If you want to add bbq sauce brush this on and cook an additional 2 minutes or until browned as much as you desire.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
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.
My husband loves chicken thighs and this helps me prove why we needed an air fryer! Haha thanks for the easy instructions!
So easy and my family devoured them. Thanks for sharing!