Air-Frying Raw Chicken Thighs: Is It Possible?

Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy meat with a crispy skin. The air fryer is perfect for a healthy chicken thigh, as it uses little to no oil. Chicken thighs are a great option for a high-protein meal and can be served with a variety of sides, such as a salad, quinoa salad, tomato soup, pasta, or roasted vegetables. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer, but on average, chicken thighs will take around 12 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken thighs you are using and the desired level of crispiness.

Boneless Chicken Thighs

For boneless chicken thighs, it is recommended to reduce the cooking time. One source suggests cooking boneless chicken thighs for 6 minutes on the first side and 8-10 minutes on the second side. Another source recommends cooking boneless chicken thighs for 12 minutes in total, doing 6 minutes per side.

Bone-in Chicken Thighs

For bone-in chicken thighs, most sources recommend cooking the chicken for 12 minutes in total. First, place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes. Then, flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up and cook for another 12-14 minutes.

However, one source recommends cooking bone-in chicken thighs for 16 to 22 minutes in total, flipping halfway through. Another source suggests cooking them for about 25 minutes.

Temperature

Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 375°F/190°C. One source recommends cooking the chicken thighs at 400°F, while another suggests 380°F, and another suggests 180°C.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. Chicken thighs are considered ready to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Marinades and seasonings

When it comes to marinades, a variety of options can be used to impart flavour to the chicken thighs. One popular option is a blend of soy sauce, honey, oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. The chicken thighs are coated in this marinade and left in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight. Another option is to use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, dried sage, and black pepper. This marinade is also refrigerated, ideally for at least 6 hours. For a spicier option, a marinade of curry powder, sweet paprika, garlic powder, mustard, and soy sauce can be used.

In addition to these options, some people prefer to use store-bought Italian dressing as a marinade, while others create their own blends. It is recommended to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. The longer the marination time, the more intense the flavour will be.

When it comes to seasonings, a simple rub of paprika and garlic powder can be used. This creates a lightly smoky and complex flavour that pairs well with the chicken. For those who prefer a spicier option, adding crushed red pepper flakes to the rub can provide a nice kick of heat. Additionally, seasoning blends such as Spike Seasoning or an all-purpose herb blend can be used to enhance the flavour of the chicken thighs.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the specific marinade and seasoning used. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Crispy skin

To achieve crispy skin on your chicken thighs, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin protects the meat during cooking, locking in moisture, and gets super crispy in the air fryer. The bone also adds extra flavour to the meat and makes it harder to dry out or overcook.

To get crispy skin, it is important to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning it. This guarantees a crispy exterior and keeps the juices inside. You can also sprinkle a pinch of baking powder onto the skin and rub it in until no baking powder is visible. Baking powder increases the pH level of the chicken skin, which allows the bonds in the skin to break out more easily, resulting in crispier skin.

When cooking, place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. After 12 minutes, flip the chicken thighs so the skin is facing up and pat the skin dry again with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Air fry for another 12-14 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.

If you desire even crispier skin, you can increase the cooking time in 3-4 minute intervals until your desired crispness is achieved.

Chicken preparation

To prepare your chicken thighs for the air fryer, start by choosing bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, as they tend to turn out juicier when cooked. If you are using boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time will be shorter.

Next, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can keep it simple with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Alternatively, you can get creative with different herbs and spices like Parmesan, lemon, or spicy pepper. Mix your chosen seasonings with a tablespoon of oil and coat the chicken thighs well.

If you have time, you can cover and refrigerate the seasoned chicken for up to 1-2 days before cooking. This allows the flavours to develop and enhances the taste.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs, skin side up, in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space around each piece for air to circulate, and cook in batches if needed.

Now, you're ready to start air-frying!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken thighs. The cooking method is versatile and can be adapted to suit many different dishes.

For a classic, comforting meal, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes and a vegetable side. You could try roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-roasted carrots, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a spicy kick, serve the chicken with chilli oil smashed potatoes.

If you want to serve the chicken with a salad, you can slice the chicken and add it to a big green salad with vegetables, such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. You could also serve the chicken with a quinoa salad, a tomato soup, or pasta.

For a simple, everyday meal, serve the chicken with shaved Brussels sprouts salad. You could also add some garlic paprika seasoning to the chicken, or parmesan cheese.

For a more indulgent meal, serve the chicken with cauliflower mac and cheese, or keto green beans with bacon.

You can also use the juices from the chicken to make a gravy to serve with the chicken and sides.

Frequently asked questions