Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Gluten-Free Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs—perfectly seasoned, tender, and cooked to golden perfection without the hassle of deep frying! This recipe combines a zesty buttermilk marinade with a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and bold spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create a mouthwatering crust that’s both crispy and gluten-free. Using an air fryer ensures a healthier version of fried chicken that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these chicken thighs are prepared in under 45 minutes and pair beautifully with dipping sauces, salads, or roasted veggies. Experience guilt-free indulgence in every bite!
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for extra tenderness.
In a shallow dish, combine gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
Remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each thigh in the flour mixture, pressing gently so it adheres to the chicken.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not touch.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken thighs with olive oil spray to encourage a crispy crust.
Air fry the chicken thighs for 12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 10–13 minutes, depending on their size, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy your gluten-free crispy air-fried chicken thighs with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Calories |
980 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.4 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 204 mg | 68% | |
| Sodium | 2807 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 151.4 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.8 g | ||
| Protein | 43.7 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 343 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 851 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.