Ella Walter
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook food with minimal cleanup afterward. They are also versatile, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes, from mains to sides, and even desserts. One popular dish that can be made in an air fryer is chicken thighs. You can cook chicken thighs with or without the bone and skin, but cooking time will vary. Skinless chicken thighs are healthier and take less time to cook, making them a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for skinless chicken thighs in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the chicken thighs in a single layer and not stack them. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer.
For boneless skinless chicken thighs, one source recommends cooking at 390°F/200°C for 8 minutes on each side, for a total of 16 minutes. Another source suggests cooking at 380°F for 10 minutes on the smooth side, then flipping and cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. A third source recommends cooking at 400°F for about 18 minutes, or until the juices run clear.
For bone-in skinless chicken thighs, one source suggests cooking for 15 minutes on the first side and 12 minutes on the second side, for a total of 27 minutes. Another source recommends cooking for 12 minutes, checking the temperature, then flipping and cooking for an additional 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. It is important to note that bone-in chicken thighs may take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs.
It is worth mentioning that some sources suggest using olive oil or olive oil spray to lightly grease the air fryer basket before adding the chicken thighs. Additionally, seasoning or marinating the chicken thighs before cooking can enhance the flavor.
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Marinade and seasoning
Marinating and seasoning chicken thighs is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for the best results, you can leave it overnight. A simple marinade can be made by combining ingredients such as Greek yoghurt, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Cajun seasoning, dried herbs, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, avocado oil, Italian herbs, salt, and cayenne pepper. The yoghurt tenderises the chicken, creating a juicy texture, while the lemon juice thins the yoghurt so it coats the chicken evenly.
If you are short on time or ingredients, you can opt for a dry rub or spice blend. A basic spice blend includes salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. However, you can experiment with other spices and seasonings, such as onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, curry powder, or lemon zest. Additionally, olive oil can be used to lock in moisture and help the spices adhere to the meat.
When applying the marinade or seasoning, ensure the chicken thighs are patted dry first. Then, coat the chicken with the marinade or seasoning, making sure to get both sides of the meat. For dry rubs, you can sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken or mix the spices with olive oil to create a paste that can be rubbed onto the meat.
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Chicken preparation
Ingredients
You will need boneless and skinless chicken thighs, olive oil or olive oil spray, and seasonings of your choice. Suggested seasonings include paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. You can also add some lemon and fresh parsley to serve.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Combine your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. You can also add olive oil to create a paste.
- Season the chicken thighs on both sides, using your fingers to gently pat the seasoning mixture onto the meat.
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for boneless thighs or 8-10 minutes for bone-in thighs. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips
- If you are using bone-in chicken thighs, they may take a little longer to cook.
- For crispy skin, you can use baking powder. Rub it onto the skin and air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Then, flip the chicken, pat the skin dry, and air fry for another 12-14 minutes.
- You can also prepare the chicken ahead of time by seasoning it and refrigerating it for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Cooked chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
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Sides and serving suggestions
Skinless chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer are versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes and in different ways. Here are some ideas for sides and serving suggestions:
Sides
- Rice – Brown rice or lemon rice are great options to serve with the chicken to get a serving of whole grains.
- Salads – A fresh salad with vegetables like kale, couscous, quinoa, or sweet potato is a healthy option to pair with the chicken.
- Roasted vegetables – Air fryer bok choy, skillet-fried cabbage, or roasted carrots are some vegetable sides that can be prepared without turning on the oven.
- Mashed potatoes – You can also make a gravy using the drippings from the chicken in the air fryer to go with mashed potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes – These can be served as a side or used in a sweet potato and couscous salad.
Serving Suggestions
The cooked chicken thighs can be served in the following ways:
- Sandwiches – The chicken can be served in sandwiches, wraps, or on rolls.
- Salads – It can be added to a salad, such as a kale salad with tahini dressing.
- Main course – The chicken can be served as a main course with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley.
These are just a few ideas, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different sides and serving methods to suit your taste preferences.
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Storing and reheating
Storing cooked chicken thighs:
To store cooked chicken thighs, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you don't plan on eating the chicken within this time frame, it's best to freeze it. Frozen chicken thighs can be stored for up to 6 months.
Reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer:
When you're ready to enjoy your chicken thighs again, simply take them out of the refrigerator or freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure that the chicken will be moist and tender after reheating.
Preheat your air fryer to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly brush or spray the chicken skin with oil to promote crispiness. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking. Reheat for 3 to 5 minutes, flipping the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time.
The chicken thighs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat.
Enjoy your crispy and juicy chicken thighs!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 15 minutes to cook skinless chicken thighs in an air fryer. However, the time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the model of the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F - 400°F. Air fry the chicken thighs for 8 minutes on each side or 10 minutes on the first side and 4-5 minutes on the second side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. You can then brush the chicken with olive oil and season with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Some side dish options include oven-roasted asparagus, basic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, fried brussels sprouts, feta harissa roasted carrots, skillet roasted potatoes, and various salad options.
