The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that can air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more. With its large capacity and powerful convection technology, it’s perfect for preparing quick, healthy meals for families or entertaining. This recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Roasted Vegetables is a complete dinner that showcases what your Ninja Foodi XL Pro can do—flavorful, juicy chicken and perfectly roasted veggies in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven: Set the oven to the Air Roast function at 400°F. Allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes while you prepare the ingredients.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to get some seasoning under the skin for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, and red onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on one of the oven’s sheet pans or the air fry basket.
- Arrange in the Oven: Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side up, on the wire rack in the upper position of the oven. Place the pan or basket with vegetables in the lower position.
- Cook: Air roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads at least 175°F. Halfway through cooking (about 20 minutes), carefully stir the vegetables for even roasting.
- Crisp and Rest: If you like extra-crispy skin, switch to the Air Fry function for the last 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Plate the chicken thighs with a generous serving of roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Substitutions: You can swap chicken thighs for bone-in chicken breasts, adjusting the cook time as needed (breasts may cook faster). Try sweet potatoes or carrots instead of baby potatoes, or use zucchini or cauliflower in place of broccoli.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fry oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to crisp the skin and warm the vegetables.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the air fry basket or pan, as this can prevent even cooking and crisping. Be sure to pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin get crispy.
- Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours before cooking for even deeper flavor, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the vegetables in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad and a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter meal.
- Add a side of crusty bread or warm pita to soak up the juices.
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- For a heartier dinner, serve over cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous.
Variations
- Buffalo Style: Toss the cooked chicken thighs in buffalo sauce and serve with celery and blue cheese dressing.
- Italian-Inspired: Use Italian seasoning and add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms to the vegetables. Sprinkle with mozzarella before serving.
- Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies: Replace chicken with sliced smoked sausage (such as kielbasa) for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. Reduce the air roast time to 20-25 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and air roast a mix of hearty vegetables such as eggplant, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes. Add drained canned chickpeas for protein.
Storage and Reheating
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Place chicken and vegetables in separate airtight containers if possible. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a pan or basket, and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the skin re-crisps. For best results, avoid microwaving the chicken, as it can make the skin rubbery. If freezing, store chicken and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven?
Yes, you can cook chicken thighs from frozen, but you’ll need to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 175°F for dark meat. For best flavor and crispiness, however, thawing first is recommended. - How do I prevent the vegetables from burning?
Cut your vegetables into uniform pieces and toss them in oil to promote even roasting. Stirring the vegetables halfway through cooking and positioning them on the lower rack helps prevent burning, especially with smaller pieces like broccoli florets. - Can I double the recipe?
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven has a large capacity, but for best results, avoid overcrowding. If doubling, cook the chicken and vegetables in two batches or rotate racks halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly. - What other meats can I use?
Bone-in pork chops, bone-in chicken breasts, or drumsticks work well with this method, but adjust cooking times as needed. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperatures (165°F for poultry, 145°F for pork). - Do I need to preheat the oven?
Yes, preheating helps ensure even cooking and crisp results. The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven preheats quickly, so a 3-5 minute preheat is usually sufficient. - Is it necessary to use oil?
Oil helps both the chicken skin and vegetables crisp up and prevents sticking. You can use less oil if desired, but completely omitting it may lead to drier results.
Related
- Stir Fry Beef Cuts for Slow Cooker: Step-by-Step Guide
- How Long to Cook Beef for Stir Fry: Timing, Tips & Mistakes
- Top Beef Cuts for Kids Stir Fry Recipes: Choices & Cooking Tips