Buffalo Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer or Oven) Recipe
A flavorful recipe for Buffalo Chicken Thighs that can be cooked using an air fryer or baked in the oven. The chicken is marinated in a spicy hot sauce blend and then cooked until juicy with a perfectly crispy exterior, finished by tossing in additional hot sauce for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes oven or 18–20 minutes air fryer
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1–1 ½ lbs)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅔ cup hot sauce such as Frank’s, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Extra salt if needed
Instructions
- Trim the chicken: Use kitchen scissors or a knife to remove most of the visible fat from the chicken thighs to ensure a leaner, cleaner cooking result.
- Prepare the marinade and marinate: In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup of the hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cooking – Oven method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For crispier skin, broil for an additional 1–3 minutes at the end.
- Cooking – Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for a few minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer inside the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and air fry for another 8–10 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Finish: Place the cooked chicken into a bowl and pour the remaining ⅓ cup of hot sauce over it. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Kitchen scissors are ideal for trimming excess fat from chicken thighs efficiently.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level. The recipe balances marinating and finishing with equal amounts of hot sauce, but feel free to add more for extra heat and sauciness.
