Cody Casey
Chicken thighs are a versatile and tasty meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious results. Air fryers are perfect for cooking chicken thighs as they require little to no oil, making it a healthier option. The air fryer also helps to create a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 20 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 12 minutes on each side, or 20-25 minutes in total |
| Temperature | 400° F |
| Chicken Thighs | Bone-in, skin-on |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil cooking spray |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried herbs, lemon juice |
| Calories | 213-249 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1-1.5 g |
| Protein | 16-24 g |
| Fat | 15.5 g-13 g |
| Sodium | 263-402 mg |
| Potassium | 313 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 241 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 18 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken thigh preparation
To prepare the chicken thighs, start by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it ensures a crispy exterior and helps retain the juices in the meat. Next, rub the chicken thighs with olive oil or avocado oil. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the meat. Speaking of seasonings, you can use a variety of spices and herbs such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and Italian seasoning. You can also add some lemon juice to the spice mixture for extra flavour. Be sure to rub the seasonings well all over the chicken, getting some under the skin for maximum flavour.
If you're using bone-in chicken thighs, place them skin side down in the air fryer basket. For boneless chicken thighs, it doesn't matter which side is down. Air fry the chicken thighs for about 12 minutes, and then flip them over. For bone-in thighs, cook for an additional 7-12 minutes, and for boneless thighs, cook for a total of 11-15 minutes. The chicken thighs are done when the skin is crispy and brown, and the juices run clear. To ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.
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Air fryer settings
The first step to cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is to preheat the appliance. Set your air fryer to 400° F and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
After preheating, spray the air fryer with cooking spray, if desired. Then, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Make sure the chicken thighs are not touching. If they are, cook them in batches.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces, whether they have bones, and the wattage of your air fryer. For boneless chicken thighs, air fry at 400° F for 11 to 18 minutes. For bone-in chicken thighs, air fry at 400° F for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7 to 15 minutes. If you want your chicken thighs extra crispy, cook for 4-minute increments until you reach your desired level of crispness.
Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. To check if the chicken is cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach at least 165° F for the chicken to be safe to eat.
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Cooking times
The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size of the chicken pieces, whether they have bones, and the wattage and model of the air fryer. It is recommended to use an instant-read or meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through, which should have an internal temperature of 165°F.
For boneless chicken thighs, air fry at 400°F for 11 to 18 minutes. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer and cook in batches if needed. If you want super crispy chicken thighs, you can cook them for four-minute increments until you reach the desired crispness.
For bone-in chicken thighs, air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7 to 15 minutes. Again, use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through, and cook in batches if needed.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer model, so adjust the timing accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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Internal temperature
The internal temperature of the chicken thighs is the most important factor in determining whether they are cooked or not. The FDA recommends that chicken is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is because harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, can be present in undercooked chicken, which can cause food poisoning.
To check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs, you can use a meat thermometer. These are available to buy for less than $15 and are a great investment to ensure your meat is cooked properly. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone, and check the temperature. If you do not have a thermometer, you can also check that the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the meat.
The cooking time of your chicken thighs will depend on a few factors, including the size of the thighs, the wattage of your air fryer, and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster than bone-in thighs, and larger thighs will take longer to cook than smaller ones. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer for around 12 minutes, but this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. It is always better to check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs with a thermometer to be sure they are cooked properly, rather than relying solely on cooking time.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken thighs. The thighs can be served with a big green salad and a vegetable side, such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. They can also be served with quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta.
For a classic combination, serve the chicken with potatoes. Oven-roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or homemade fries are all good options. If you want to add some greens to the meal, you can prepare sautéed Brussels sprouts or roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic.
If you're looking for a serving option that provides whole grains, consider brown rice or lemon rice. You can also serve the chicken with cauliflower Mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, or a broccoli salad.
For a more indulgent option, try adding two tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your spice mixture. This is a great option if you're serving the chicken with a shaved Brussels sprouts salad. If you want to add a spicy kick, include some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder in your spice mixture.
Finally, if you're looking for a BBQ-style dish, add two teaspoons of brown sugar to your spice mixture and serve the chicken with barbecue sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. However, on average, chicken thighs take 12 minutes on each side, or 20-25 minutes in total. Boneless chicken thighs will take less time, at around 11-15 minutes in total.
Preheat your air fryer to 400° F (200° C).
The best way to check if your chicken thighs are cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165° F (74° C).
