Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. They are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, and can be made even faster than in a traditional oven. The key to getting juicy chicken thighs is to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, as the bone adds flavour and moisture to the meat. The air fryer is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior without drying out the interior.

How to get the crispiest skin

To get the crispiest skin on your air-fried chicken thighs, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, ensure that you are using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, as the bone adds flavour and the skin protects the meat, locking in moisture.

Brining

One method to ensure juicy meat and crispy skin is to brine the chicken. To do this, place the raw chicken thighs in a mixing bowl or tray and sprinkle kosher salt generously onto the meat side of the chicken. Leave this to rest for at least 15 minutes so that the salt can absorb into the meat and season it throughout.

Pat Dry

Before seasoning the chicken, always pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will guarantee a crispy exterior and keep the juices inside the meat.

Seasoning

You can use a variety of seasonings on your chicken thighs, but a simple mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper works well. Alternatively, you could try a mix of salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, sweet paprika, and dried herbs such as herbs de Provence. For extra crispy skin, add a pinch of baking powder to the skin of each chicken thigh and rub it in well. The baking powder increases the pH level of the skin, allowing the bonds to break out more easily and resulting in a crispier texture when cooked.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side down and cook for 10-12 minutes. Then, flip the chicken thighs and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. If you want your chicken thighs extra crispy, cook for four-minute increments until the desired level of crispness is achieved.

Serving

Air fryer chicken thighs go well with comfort vegetable sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or honey-roasted carrots. They can also be served with crispy smashed potatoes, roasted green beans with bacon, or garlic bok choy.

How to get the juiciest meat

To get the juiciest meat when cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer, there are several steps you can follow. Firstly, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as these result in juicier meat. Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster but will be less juicy, and skinless chicken will tend to dry out faster.

Before cooking, ensure you pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help to create a crispy exterior and keep the juices inside the meat. You can also try trimming away any excess skin before cooking.

When it comes to seasoning, a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs is often used. You can also add a secret ingredient like baking powder or cornstarch to the skin to make it extra crispy. The baking powder increases the pH level of the chicken skin, allowing the bonds to break out more easily and resulting in a crispier texture when cooked. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then rub them onto the chicken thighs, ensuring the meat is well coated.

Now it's time to cook your chicken thighs. Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, and cook for 10-12 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165°F when they are done. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the thigh to check that the meat is no longer pink.

Finally, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in even juicier meat. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried chicken thighs!

What temperature to cook at

The cooking temperature depends on the type of chicken thigh and the desired crispiness.

For bone-in chicken thighs, preheat the air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. If you want extra crispy skin, you can preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes and then spray with cooking spray. For boneless chicken thighs, reduce the temperature to 385°F.

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down. For bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 12 minutes, and then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes. For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 6 minutes, and then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes. If you want your chicken thighs extra crispy, cook in 4-minute increments until you reach the desired crispiness.

The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165°F. For a more tender texture, you can cook the chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 175°F to 185°F.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of chicken thigh (boneless or bone-in, skin-on or skinless), the size of the chicken thighs, the wattage of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispness. Here is a detailed guide on how long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer:

Boneless Chicken Thighs:

• According to one source, the cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer is significantly less than that of bone-in thighs. They recommend reducing the cooking time to 6 minutes for the first side and 8-10 minutes for the second side.
• Another source recommends cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer for a total of 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• A third source suggests cooking boneless chicken thighs for 12 minutes on the first side and 10-15 minutes on the second side, for a total of approximately 22-27 minutes.

Bone-in Chicken Thighs:

• One source recommends cooking bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer for a total of 24 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
• Another source suggests a cooking time of 12 minutes on each side for bone-in chicken thighs, for a total of 24 minutes.
• A third source recommends cooking bone-in chicken thighs for 12 minutes on the first side and 10-15 minutes on the second side, for a total cooking time of approximately 22-27 minutes.
• A fourth source suggests that bone-in chicken thighs may require longer cooking times than boneless chicken thighs, and that they should be cooked until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time:

• It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer. Larger chicken thighs may require longer cooking times, and higher-wattage air fryers may cook the chicken thighs faster.
• Additionally, if you prefer your chicken thighs to be super crispy, you may need to increase the cooking time. One source recommends cooking in 4-minute increments until the desired level of crispness is achieved.
• The desired level of doneness may also affect the cooking time. For chicken thighs with a more tender texture, it is recommended to cook them to an internal temperature of 175°F-185°F.

What to serve with chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are a versatile cut of meat that can be served with a variety of side dishes to elevate your meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken thighs to make your dinner even more delicious:

Vegetables and Salad

• Asparagus – Grilled asparagus makes an elegant companion to chicken thighs. You can season it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, or finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
• Spinach – You can serve spinach as a salad with asparagus, bacon, blue cheese, and sweet pecans, or as a creamed spinach side dish with a silky texture and a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Zucchini – Zucchini ribbons are simple to make and pair well with chicken thighs. You can also serve grilled zucchini, which adds a slightly smoky flavor and a tender-crisp texture to your meal.
• Brussels sprouts – Roasted or crispy skillet Brussels sprouts are a delightful accompaniment to chicken thighs. You can also try Brussels sprouts with crispy pancetta breadcrumbs.
• Green beans – Lightly sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic and olive oil make an exceptional side dish. You can add toasted slivered almonds or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and crunch.
• Broccoli – Try serving broccoli and cauliflower gratin, smothered in Gruyère cheese and heavy cream.
• Cauliflower – You can serve cauliflower in a variety of ways, such as mashed, roasted, or as tots.
• Carrots – Whole roasted carrots or honey-roasted carrots pair well with chicken thighs. You can also serve them alongside potatoes for a sweet and earthy combination.
• Beets – Roasted beets can be served as a side dish or used in a beet and citrus salad.
• Squash – Roasted squash with pomegranate and goat cheese is a colorful and tasty option.

Starchy Sides

• Potatoes – You can serve potatoes in various forms, such as French fries, tater tots, baked potatoes, or crispy smashed potatoes. Sweet potato fries are also a great option.
• Mac and cheese – Smoked gouda mac and cheese is a comforting and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken thighs.
• Rice – Spanish rice, quinoa, or kimchi fried rice are flavorful options that complement the savory chicken.

Breads

• Cornbread – A slice of warm cornbread makes a comforting and delicious partner for chicken thighs.
• Buttermilk biscuits – Flaky and buttery buttermilk biscuits can soak up the delicious juices of the chicken.
• Pita bread – Toasted pita triangles served with hummus can accompany Middle Eastern-style chicken thigh dishes.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find your favorite side dishes to serve with chicken thighs!

Frequently asked questions