Air-Fried Chicken Thighs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken thighs, resulting in juicy meat with a crispy skin. The air fryer's rapid hot air means your food cooks quickly without drying out, while achieving a crispy exterior.

There are many different ways to season your chicken thighs, but most recipes call for olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also add lemon, dried herbs, or parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

If you're using an air fryer, the cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken thighs and the model of the air fryer. As a guide, boneless chicken thighs should be cooked for around 18 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while bone-in thighs will take a little longer, between 16 and 22 minutes.

How to prepare chicken thighs for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make chicken thighs in an air fryer:

• Chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on are recommended for the best flavour and texture, but boneless and skinless options are also possible)
• Olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado, canola or vegetable oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Other spices and seasonings of your choice, such as onion powder, dried oregano, sweet or smoked paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning
• Lemon (optional)

Method

• Dry brine the chicken thighs: Place the raw chicken thighs in a mixing bowl or tray, sprinkling salt generously onto the meat side. Leave to rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the salt to absorb and lock in moisture.
• Season the chicken: Combine your chosen spices and seasonings in a small bowl. Add the raw chicken to the bowl along with a tablespoon of oil and mix well. If using skin-on chicken, flip each piece so the skin side is up, then sprinkle and rub in a pinch of baking powder.
• Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer tray and air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. After this time, flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up, and pat the skin dry with a paper towel. Air fry for a further 12-14 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.
• Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the meat juicy.

Tips

• Depending on your air fryer, cooking times may vary. If the chicken skin is not as crispy as you would like, increase the cooking time in intervals of 3 minutes until the desired crispiness is achieved.
• If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time. For example, cook for 6 minutes on the first side and 8-10 minutes on the second side.
• Baking powder is the secret ingredient to achieving ultra-crispy skin. It raises the pH level, helping to break down the bonds during cooking and resulting in a crispier texture.
• You can customise the herb and spice mix to your preference. For example, you could try adding Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or a pinch of cayenne pepper or another spicy pepper.

How to make crispy chicken thighs in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or herbs de Provence)
• Lemon (optional)

Method:

• Dry brine the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs meat side up in a mixing bowl or tray. Sprinkle salt generously onto the meat side of the chicken and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
• Season the chicken: Combine the spices and olive oil in a small bowl. Mix the spice blend with the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. If using skin-on chicken, sprinkle a pinch of baking powder onto the skin of each thigh and rub it in until no visible baking powder remains.
• Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer tray. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up, and pat the skin dry with a paper towel. Air fry again for 12-14 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.

Tips:

• Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer. If the chicken is not as crispy as desired after 14 minutes, increase the cooking time in 3-minute intervals until the desired crispness is achieved.
• For boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time. Air fry for 6 minutes on the first side, and 8-10 minutes on the second side.
• Baking powder is the secret ingredient to achieving ultra-crispy skin. It raises the pH level, helping to break down the bonds in the skin during cooking, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Customise the herb mix to your preference. Try Parmesan, lemon, or spicy pepper for a unique twist.
• For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer

Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on whether you are cooking boneless or bone-in chicken thighs.

For boneless chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cooking time will be around 18 minutes for boneless thighs, but this will vary slightly depending on the size of the thighs. You can check if the chicken is cooked by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the centre of the thigh. It is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For bone-in chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cooking time will be between 16 and 22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F. Again, be sure to flip the thighs halfway through the cooking time.

If you are cooking skin-on chicken thighs, it is important to pat the skin dry before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.

What to serve with air fryer chicken thighs

There are many side dishes that go well with air fryer chicken thighs. Here are some ideas:

Salads

A big green salad is a great option to serve with air fryer chicken thighs. You can also try a quinoa salad.

Vegetables

Roasted butternut squash, shredded or sautéed Brussels sprouts, roasted green beans, or oven-roasted asparagus are all tasty and healthy options to pair with the chicken.

Starchy Sides

For some comfort food, serve your chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, homemade fries, or crispy smashed potatoes.

Soups and Stews

A bowl of tomato soup or a hearty stew can also be a good pairing with the chicken.

Grains

Whole grains like brown rice or lemon rice can accompany the chicken, providing a healthy dose of carbohydrates.

Pasta

A simple pasta dish can also be served as a side or turned into a more substantial meal by adding vegetables or a protein-packed sauce.

These are just a few ideas, but the versatility of air fryer chicken thighs means you can get creative and experiment with different flavours and cuisines to find your favourite combinations.

How to store leftover air fryer chicken thighs

Storing leftover air fryer chicken thighs is simple. If you're planning to eat them within four days, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If you're not going to eat them within that time, it's best to freeze them.

To freeze leftover chicken thighs, place them in a freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air. Wrap the bag in foil and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them completely before reheating in the air fryer.

• Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F / 180 degrees C for 5 minutes.
• Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin is crispy. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs with a meat thermometer. They are ready to serve when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.

Frequently asked questions