Cody Casey
Turkey thighs are a great option for when you're craving dark meat but don't want to roast a whole bird. They're also perfect for when you're short on time and want to speed up cooking time, or when you're cooking for a smaller group of people and don't need a large turkey. Air-fried turkey thighs are juicy and tender on the inside, with a crispy skin on the outside. They can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, and are best cooked at temperatures between 375°F and 380°F for around 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs. To check if they're cooked, a meat thermometer can be used to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165-175°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 25-45 minutes, depending on the size of the turkey thighs and the air fryer |
| Internal temperature | 165-175°F |
| Seasoning | Creole spices, poultry seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, pepper |
| Oil | Olive oil or vegetable oil |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
How to get crispy skin on bone-in turkey thighs
To get crispy skin on bone-in turkey thighs, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure that your turkey thighs are at room temperature. This can be done by letting them sit for around 30 minutes, although this step can be skipped if you are short on time.
Next, pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels. This is an important step as moisture on the skin will prevent it from crisping up.
Now, it's time to season the turkey thighs. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, pepper, poultry seasoning, Creole seasoning, or Italian herbs. Be sure to rub the seasonings on both sides of the turkey thighs and under the skin for maximum flavor. You can also loosen the skin with a spoon and spread butter underneath for extra crispy and flavorful skin.
After seasoning, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature seems to be around 370-390°F, although some recipes suggest cooking at a lower temperature of 350°F or even as high as 380°F.
Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the turkey thighs. Place them in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for around 15-20 minutes. Then, flip the turkey thighs and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Finally, remove the turkey thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat is juicy and tender.
Some additional tips for ensuring crispy skin include:
- Creating space around each turkey thigh in the air fryer to allow hot air to circulate properly.
- Increasing the temperature by 25°F for the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to help crisp up the skin.
- Using a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey thighs are cooked through. The thickest part of the thigh should reach an internal temperature of 165-175°F.
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How long to cook bone-in turkey thighs per pound
The cooking time for bone-in turkey thighs in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the turkey and the air fryer. A good rule of thumb is to allow 8-10 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey. This means that a 1-pound bone-in turkey thigh will take around 8-10 minutes to cook in an air fryer, while a 2-pound bone-in turkey thigh will take approximately 16-20 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the turkey thighs and the specific air fryer being used. Some sources suggest cooking bone-in turkey thighs in an air fryer for 15 minutes on each side, for a total of 30 minutes. Others recommend cooking for 20 minutes on one side and then an additional 10-15 minutes on the other side, for a total cooking time of 30-35 minutes.
To ensure that the bone-in turkey thighs are cooked thoroughly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone, should reach an internal temperature of 170-175°F (76-79°C). If the meat reaches this temperature before the expected cooking time, it is safe to remove it from the air fryer. Conversely, if the meat has not reached this temperature after the expected cooking time, it may need to be cooked for a few minutes longer.
It is worth mentioning that some preparation is required before cooking bone-in turkey thighs in an air fryer. Many recipes suggest washing the turkey thighs with water and lemon/vinegar before patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps to ensure crispy skin. Additionally, some recipes call for seasoning the turkey thighs and allowing them to marinate for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
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How to tell when bone-in turkey thighs are cooked
The cooking time for bone-in turkey thighs in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the turkey and the air fryer. A general rule is 8-10 minutes per pound. For example, one source recommends cooking at 375 F for 15 minutes on each side, while another recommends 380 F for 20 minutes on the first side and 10-15 minutes on the other.
To tell if the bone-in turkey thighs are cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 °F (74 °C) for consuming poultry. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading. If the temperature reads between 170-175 °F (76-79 °C), the turkey is fully cooked and still juicy. If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a fork and observe the juices. If they are reddish or slightly pink, the turkey needs to be cooked a little longer. If the juices run clear, the turkey is cooked.
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How to season bone-in turkey thighs
Cooking bone-in turkey thighs in an air fryer is a quick and simple way to enjoy turkey. The cooking time for bone-in turkey thighs will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the air fryer. A good rule of thumb is to cook the thighs for 6-8 minutes per pound.
Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to season bone-in turkey thighs:
Step 1: Prepare the turkey thighs
Start by rinsing the turkey thighs with water and then patting them dry with paper towels. Bring the turkey to room temperature for 30-45 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the seasonings.
Step 2: Prepare the seasoning
In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as poultry seasoning, Creole seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, or any other herbs and spices of your choice. Mix the seasonings together and set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Season the turkey thighs
Generously rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey thighs, making sure to cover both sides evenly. Get under the skin of the turkey thighs with your fingers and loosen the skin. Slip some salt and butter under the skin, being careful not to tear it, as this will add flavour and moisture to the meat.
Step 4: Cook the turkey thighs
Preheat your air fryer to 375-380°F (193°C). Place the seasoned turkey thighs in the air fryer basket, with the skin side facing up. Air fry the turkey thighs for 15 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for another 15 minutes.
Step 5: Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check if the turkey thighs are cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 170-175°F (76-79°C) for the thighs to be fully cooked. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a fork and observe the colour of the juices that leak out. If they are clear, the turkey is done; if they are reddish or slightly pink, cook the thighs for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Remove the cooked turkey thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat. Enjoy your delicious, crispy and juicy air-fried bone-in turkey thighs!
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How to reheat bone-in turkey thigh leftovers
To reheat bone-in turkey thigh leftovers in an air fryer, first bring the meat to room temperature. This will ensure the meat warms evenly and prevents it from seizing up. Next, preheat your air fryer to 325°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
If you are reheating a small portion of turkey, place the meat on a layer of foil, then pour broth over it. Seal the foil to create a packet that will keep the steam inside. For a larger portion, place the meat in an oven-safe baking dish that fits in your air fryer basket. You can use turkey, chicken, or vegetable broth, or even water mixed with a bit of gravy.
Place the meat in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes per pound. Flip the meat with tongs every 5 to 6 minutes to ensure even cooking. If the skin starts to burn, cover the meat for the remainder of the reheating time.
The internal temperature of the meat should reach at least 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this, inserting it into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. If the juices run clear when you pierce the meat with a fork, it is also a sign that it is cooked.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for bone-in turkey thighs in an air fryer depends on the size of the thighs and the air fryer. A good rule of thumb is 8-10 minutes per pound or 10 minutes per 100g. The average cooking time is between 30 and 45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.
The best way to tell if your bone-in turkey thighs are cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should reach an internal temperature of 165-175°F (74-79°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a fork and check the colour of the juices—if they are reddish or pink, the turkey needs to cook longer.
First, wash the turkey thighs with water and lemon/vinegar, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Next, rub oil all over the thighs, followed by a seasoning mix of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, and pepper. Be sure to rub some of the seasoning mix under the skin, too. You can then let the thighs marinate for 30 minutes or cook them immediately.
