There is nothing like crispy chicken skin. It’s to chicken what bacon is to pork. I remember fighting to get “one more bite” of chicken skin as a kid. Then sadly during the low-fat craze of the 80’s and 90’s the family threw it away or just bought boneless skinless chicken breasts. For decades the only chicken skin I ate was when I ordered chicken wings or fried chicken from a restaurant. Doing a Whole30 challenge a few years ago changed the way I think about food. From that moment on I’ve eaten all of the chicken (not just the breast and wings). I started liking drumsticks and thighs and saving the bones for broth. Plus, they are significantly less expensive than the breast meat. My husband and I have these “Super Crispy-Baked Chicken Thighs” a couple times a month. If you happen to have a Ninja Foodi (which I love for it’s diversity as a small appliance) it’s even more convenient than baking them in the oven. Either way, regular oven or Ninja Foodi–you can make these tonight and have the best crispy and juicy chicken you’ve had in a long time–or ever.
Super Crispy-Baked Chicken Thighs
4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
seasoning salt or your favorite salt (Note: for AIP use salt only or AIP friendly blend)
garlic powder (optional)
pepper (omit for AIP)
1. Dry chicken equals crispy chicken. So, really dry chicken with paper towels and place skin side down on the Ninja Foodi insert, or on a parchment lined sheet pan with wire rack. Sprinkle the back side with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
2. Set the Ninja Foodi on Bake/Roast at 375 for 20 minutes, or place in a pre-heated oven at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes flip the chicken and sprinkle with more salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. In the Ninja Foodie bake for an additional 15 minutes. In the oven bake for an additional 20 minutes (check at the 15 mark because time varies depending on the size).
4. Serve with your favorite sides. Need suggestions? Smashed Cauliflower Potatoes, Simple Sauteed Green Beans, Roasted Asparagus, or Spicy Sweet Potato Home Fries.
Super Crispy-Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- seasoning salt or your favorite salt (Note: for AIP use salt only or AIP friendly blend)
- garlic powder (optional)
- pepper (omit for AIP)
Directions
- Step 1 1. Dry chicken equals crispy chicken. So, really dry chicken with paper towels and place skin side down on the Ninja Foodi insert, or on a parchment lined sheet pan with wire rack. Sprinkle the back side with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
- Step 2 2. Set the Ninja Foodi on Bake/Roast at 375 for 20 minutes, or place in a pre-heated oven at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Step 3 3. After 20 minutes flip the chicken and sprinkle with more salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. In the Ninja Foodie bake for an additional 15 minutes. In the oven bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Step 4 4. Serve with your favorite sides. Need suggestions? Smashed Cauliflower Potatoes, Simple Sauteed Green Beans, Roasted Asparagus, or Spicy Sweet Potato Home Fries.
Michele, your food always looks so inviting. The pictures you create are simply colorful and appetizing.
I have ventured into using my air fryer for a few foods now and chicken is the go to fast food for now.
I am still getting used to the temps and timing.
That’s exactly what we think! This chicken scratches the itch for “fried” chicken. It’s at-home fast food that is always satisfying to us.