• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Dessert
    • Condiments
    • Reviews
  • About Midwexican
    • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me!

Midwexican

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Midwexican
  • Work With Me!
×

Home » Dinner

Published: Mar 24, 2021 · Modified: Apr 12, 2022 by Tino Marie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Air Fryer Adobo Chicken

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • LinkedIn

This recipe for Air Fryer Adobo Chicken cooks up a beautifully seasoned main in 18-20 minutes! Just whip up a batch up homemade Spicy Adobo Seasoning using ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Air fryer chicken has quickly become one of my go-to air fryer meals. Chicken thighs (my cut of choice, thick thighs save lives!) only take 18-20 minutes and come out cooked to perfection without having to use any type of cooking oil or butter. And a good homemade Adobo Seasoning is a great way to quickly flavor chicken without the hassle of marinating. Plus you can make these totally amazing Adobo Chicken Tacos.

Adobo seasoning is one of those all-purpose seasonings that you can easily make from seasoning staples like garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mine strays from traditional adobo seasonings because I wanted to bring the heat with cayenne pepper and chili powder. One of the best things about homemade adobo seasoning is that it's endlessly customizable and can be used in many applications, even if your meal doesn't slant Latin American.

Jump to:
  • How do you make Spicy Adobo Seasoning?
  • How do you make Air Fryer Adobo Chicken?
  • Air Fryer Adobo Chicken Serving Suggestions
  • What is Adobo Seasoning?
  • Other Suggested Spicy Adobo Seasoning Additions
  • What does Adobo Seasoning taste like on chicken?
  • What can you use homemade adobo seasoning for besides chicken?
  • What should I serve with Air Fryer Adobo Chicken?
  • What else can I make in my air fryer?
  • Air Fryer Adobo Chicken

How do you make Spicy Adobo Seasoning?

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon  salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder 
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano (or regular oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of granulated sugar

Add all ingredients to a spice grinder and grind for 10-15 seconds. 

*Makes enough to coat 8-9 boneless chicken thighs, aggressively seasoned, or around 6 tablespoons seasoning.

Spicy Adobo Seasoning

How do you make Air Fryer Adobo Chicken?

Making Air Fryer Adobo Chicken is as easy as sprinkling on your homemade adobo seasoning, then air frying your chicken for 18-20 minutes. You will need:

  • 8-9 boneless chicken thighs (I used thighs without skin)
  • Spicy Adobo seasoning (see recipe above)

Aggressively season each nook and cranny of your chicken thighs with homemade adobo seasoning. You can of course go lighter on the seasoning if you aren't a salt-lover like I am; you will likely have some leftover seasoning if you opt for a lighter application.

Put the chicken thighs in your air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. You may need to air fry in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting or serving.

A Note on Air Frying

I have tried this recipe using two different air fryer setups: 1) an Air Fryer Lid that is compatible with my Instant Pot, and 2) a Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven. The air fryer lid does not require preheating, but the Ninja Foodi does have an automatic preheat.

Air Fryer Adobo Chicken Serving Suggestions

Use in tacos, quesadillas, sandwich melts, pasta dishes, or as a standalone main served with everything from a fresh Romaine salad to roasted vegetables. Since homemade adobo seasoning is first and foremost a seasoning salt, its flavor is flexible enough to be used in a variety of applications, even if your meal doesn't necessarily lean Latin American.

What is Adobo Seasoning?

Adobo seasoning is an all-purpose seasoning like seasoned salt. It typically contains salt, garlic powder, oregano, turmeric, black pepper, and other Latin spices. It’s great for quickly flavoring everything from meat proteins to seafood to vegetables. You’ve likely seen premade versions from brands like GOYA in the spice aisle at the grocery store, but you can easily make your own at home. And tweak it in fun and interesting ways, as I did in this recipe to make it spicy by adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of sugar. 

Other Suggested Spicy Adobo Seasoning Additions

You could also try mixing it up with these herbs and spices. Add some dried citrus zest to the mix for seafood applications, or accentuate smoky flavors with paprika when grilling.

  • Thyme
  • Bay leaf (ground)
  • Chipotle chili powder
  • Paprika (including smoked or hot Hungarian)
  • Dried citrus zest (lemon or lime)

What does Adobo Seasoning taste like on chicken?

Chicken is the perfect canvas for Spicy Adobo Seasoning. Adobo seasoning is first and foremost salty and savory since it’s a seasoning salt. But it’s also herbaceous, warm, and earthy, bold and robust without being overpowering. Make it Spicy Adobo Seasoning by adding chili powder and cayenne pepper. It brings mild-flavored proteins like chicken to life instantly.

What can you use homemade adobo seasoning for besides chicken?

Pork, beef, shrimp, fish, potatoes, corn, well you get the idea. Adobo seasoning is fantastic on pretty much everything protein or vegetable. It’s a good all-purpose seasoning that you can simply sprinkle on, use as a rub, or as a base for a marinade. When using keep in mind that it is salt-forward. 

What should I serve with Air Fryer Adobo Chicken?

You should definitely pair air-fried adobo chicken thighs with these slammin' sides:

  • Easy Seasoned Refried Beans
  • Spicy Watermelon Feta Salad
  • Zesty Baked Potato Soup
  • Tex-Mex Pasta Salad

What else can I make in my air fryer?

Try these other tasty air fried recipes:

  • Air Fryer Walleye
  • Smoky Air Fryer Chickpeas
  • Air Fryer Pickle Spears
  • Crispy Air Fryer Tacos
  • Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Adobo Chicken

Air Fryer Adobo Chicken

This recipe for Air Fryer Adobo Chicken cooks up a beautifully seasoned main in 18-20 minutes! Just whip up a batch up homemade Spicy Adobo Seasoning using ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard.
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 18 mins
Total Time 28 mins
Course Main Course
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • 8-9 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 5-6 tablespoons adobo seasoning (see recipe above)

Instructions
 

  • Aggressively season each nook and cranny of your chicken thighs with homemade adobo seasoning. You can of course go lighter on the seasoning if you aren't a salt-lover like I am; you will likely have some leftover seasoning if you opt for a lighter application.
  • Put the chicken thighs in your air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. You may need to air fry in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting or serving.

Notes

* You can season 8-9 chicken thighs with the provided Adobo Seasoning Recipe. Or use 5-6 tablespoons of a premade Adobo seasoning mix. 
Keyword ranch coleslaw, spicy adobo seasoning
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

More Dinner

  • Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Jalapeno Creamed Corn
  • Creamy Taco Soup

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Follow me!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Christina from Midwexican

About Christina

I'm a Minnesota native who can't get enough of south-of-the-border flavors. My recipes combine comforting Midwestern eats with bold Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors. If you love comforting food, bold flavors, and - most importantly - tacos! then you'll love what I'm cooking!

Learn more about me →

Lighter Fare

  • Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Instant Pot Pozole
  • Imitation Crab Ceviche
  • Tuna Tostadas
  • White Chicken Porchetta Chili
  • Cruciferous Crunch Salad with Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette
  • Instant Pot Pinto Bean Soup

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Work With Me!

    • Let's Collaborate!

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Midwexican

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT