Make the perfect cajun chicken in the air fryer with this easy and delicious recipe!
This Cajun chicken recipe is packed with flavor and is a great way to enjoy chicken thighs in a new and exciting way.
The air fryer ensures that the chicken is perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The cajun seasoning really adds a spicy kick too.
In this post, I will provide you with all the information you need to make this delicious recipe, including tips on how to cook the chicken to perfection, variations you can try, and side dishes that pair well with it.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
It’s Deliciously Spicy: First and foremost, this recipe is a burst of flavors in your mouth.
The cajun seasoning mixed with the juicy chicken thighs and the crispy skin create a beautiful symphony of flavors that will take your taste buds on a spicy adventure.
This dish is perfect for anyone who loves a little kick in their food. It’s spicy but not overpowering, so you can still taste all the delicious flavors in the chicken.
It’s So Easy To Make: With just four simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a mouthwatering chicken dinner on the table in no time.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced cooking skills to make this recipe. All you need is an air fryer and a desire for some delicious cajun chicken!
It’s Perfect for Meal Prep: Meal prep can be a real hassle, but this recipe makes it a breeze. You can make a big batch of cajun chicken thighs at once and store them in the fridge or freezer for later.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Ingredients
To make this cajun air fried chicken you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 Chicken Thighs (skin on)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
✨ Cajun Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Follow my recipe and make this delicious air fried cajun chicken in no time:
Step 1
Preheat your air fryer to 360F (180C).
Step 2
Coat the chicken with the olive oil, and then add the cajun seasoning- making sure it is evenly spread.
Step 3
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 19-20 minutes. flipping the meat pieces after about 8-10 minutes.
Step 4
Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite side dish. Enjoy this delicious air fryer cajun chicken!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked my cajun air fryer chicken, make sure to check out these easy air fryer recipes too:
- Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Panko
- Air Fryer Curry Chicken
- Air Fryer Lava Cake
💡 Important Tips
Here are my top tips for making the best cajun chicken in air fryer:
1. Flip the Chicken
Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking is essential for even cooking and crispy skin on both sides.
After about 8-10 minutes of cooking, use tongs to flip the chicken over and continue cooking for the remaining time.
2. Try Different Seasonings
While cajun seasoning is a great option for air fryer chicken, you can experiment with other seasonings too!
You can try using Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even a mix of different spices to create a unique flavor. I like mixing Cajuan with smoked paprika.
3. Use An Instant Read Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165F (74C) for it to be safe to eat. Use the thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken before removing it from the air fryer.
4. Allow The Chicken to Rest
Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking is crucial for ensuring that it remains juicy and tender. When you cook chicken, the juices move towards the center of the meat.
Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.
5. Adjust The Cooking Time
The cooking time for air fryer cajun chicken can vary depending on the thickness and size of the chicken.
If you are using smaller or larger chicken thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure that it is cooked all the way through.
6. Try Different Cuts Of Chicken
While chicken thighs are a great option for air fryer cajun chicken, you can also use other cuts of chicken.
Chicken wings, drumsticks, and even chicken breast can be cooked in the air fryer.
Just remember to adjust the cooking time and seasoning quantities accordingly to ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection.
✔️ Variations
Sure, here are six more variations of the original cajun chicken recipe that all use cajun seasoning:
1. Cajun Chicken Tacos: Use the cajun chicken as a filling for tacos. Shred the chicken and warm up some corn tortillas.
Top the chicken with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. For a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce or salsa on top.
2. Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Make a creamy cajun chicken alfredo pasta by cooking fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions.
Air fry the cajun chicken and set it aside. Place it in a pan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream.
Add 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve hot.
3. Cajun Chicken Salad: Make a delicious cajun chicken salad by chopping up lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado. Top the salad with sliced cajun chicken (remove it from the bone).
Drizzle with a homemade vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and cajun seasoning. Add some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy finish.
4. Cajun Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes and thread them onto skewers. Alternate with bell peppers and onions.
Brush the skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with cajun seasoning. Air fry the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve with a side of rice pilaf.
5. Cajun Chicken Sandwich: Make a hearty cajun chicken sandwich by slicing the cajun chicken and placing it on a toasted bun.
Top with sliced tomato, lettuce, and pickles. Spread some mayo or aioli on the other half of the bun and sprinkle with cajun seasoning. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries.
🔁 How To Reheat
Preheat your air fryer to 375F (190C). Take the leftover cajun chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it’s heated through and crispy.
Serve the reheated cajun chicken with your favorite sides or use it as a filling for sandwiches, salads, or tacos.
🌟 Side Dishes Ideas
Serve the cajun air fried chicken with any of these delicious side dishes for the perfect complete meal:
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted brussels sprouts are a great side dish to pair with air fried cajun chicken.
To make roasted brussels sprouts, simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the air fryer until they’re crispy and golden brown.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish to balance out the spiciness of the cajun chicken.
To make garlic mashed potatoes, boil some potatoes until they’re tender, mash them with butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper until they’re smooth and creamy.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus is another great side dish to pair with cajun air fryer chicken.
To make grilled asparagus, simply toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry them at 390F until they’re tender and slightly charred.
4. Mac and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any meal, including air fried cajun chicken
To make mac and cheese, cook some elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, and then toss them with a homemade cheese sauce made with milk, butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
👪 FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken thighs will cook more quickly than bone-in chicken thighs.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken.
How do I store the leftover chicken?
The leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until it is heated through.
What if I don’t have cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have cajun seasoning, you can use a combination of other spices to create a similar flavor profile.
Some good options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
I hope you liked my cajun chicken air fryer recipe. This dish is tasty, and you can serve it with so many sides. I am sure your family will love it!
If you have any questions about my cajun chicken in air fryer recipe- comment below. Also, don’t forget to check out other air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken
- 4 Chicken Thighs (skin on)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- Cooking Spray
- Preheat your air fryer to 360F (180C) and spray the basket with cooking spray oil.
- Coat the chicken with the olive oil, and then add the cajun seasoning- making sure it is evenly spread.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 19-20 minutes. flipping the meat pieces after about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite side dish. Enjoy this delicious air fryer cajun chicken!
