Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe serves up 48g protein and 713 calories per serving, making it a calorie-dense option for strength athletes. Quick-preps 4 servings on the stovetop, letting you batch-cook protein for the week without extended prep time. Ideal for lifters who need sustained calories and protein for muscle gain during high-volume training phases.
Ingredients
- •Paprika, Ground(15g)
- •Paprika, Smoked(8g)
- •2 teaspoons kosher salt
- •Garlic powder(5g)
- •1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- •Chicken Thigh, Bone-In, Skin-On(1134g)
Boneless skinless thighs. Fattier than breast but more forgiving to cook.
- •Olive oil(30g)
Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.
- •Lemon
- •Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for serving)
Instructions
- 1In a large bowl, combine the paprika, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- 2Pat the chicken thighs very dry on both sides, then add to the bowl. Drizzle with the oil, then toss to coat in the spice mixture.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side down (make sure they are not touching; if they are, cook the chicken in batches).
- 4Air fry the chicken thighs for 16 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until an instant read thermometer inserted at the thickest part of a thigh (but not touching bone) reaches 155°F. Set aside, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes (chicken is considered by the FDA cooked at 165°F, but the temperature will continue to rise as it rests; air fryer models differ in cooking time, so check early to be safe). Serve hot, with lemon wedges (squeeze them over the top of your serving) and sprinkled with fresh herbs.
Nutrition — Per Serving
713
calories
48g
protein
55g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Saturated fat
- 14.0g
- Sodium
- 234 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 2.1g
4 servings per batch · ~298g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
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How much protein does Air Fryer Chicken Thighs have per serving?
Each serving provides 48g of protein and 713 calories, with 55g fat and only 5g carbs reflecting the fat-forward nature of thigh meat. This is significantly more calorie-dense than chicken breast options.
How long does Air Fryer Chicken Thighs take to prep?
Quick prep yields 4 servings per batch, making it straightforward to batch-cook multiple portions for the week despite the higher per-serving calorie count.
Is Air Fryer Chicken Thighs good for muscle gain?
At 48g protein and 713 calories per serving, this recipe suits muscle gain phases where total calorie surplus and protein intake are both priorities. The fat content supports hormone production, though you'll need external carb sources to optimize post-workout nutrition.
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