Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make, taking around 20 minutes to cook. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. To make sure your chicken is cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165ºF. If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, you can cook it for four-minute increments until it reaches your desired crispness.

Cooking time varies depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer

Chicken thighs should be cooked in the air fryer for between 16 and 22 minutes at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway through. If you want to be precise, you can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165ºF.

If you are cooking more than one chicken thigh, make sure they are in a single layer and not touching. If they are touching, cook the chicken in batches.

The cooking time also depends on whether you want your chicken thighs super crispy

The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer depends on a few factors, including the wattage of your air fryer, the size of your chicken thighs, and how crispy you like them. For super crispy chicken thighs, you may need to cook them for longer.

Most sources recommend cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer for around 16 to 22 minutes at 400 degrees F, flipping them halfway through. However, if you want your chicken thighs to be super crispy, you may need to cook them for a little longer. One source suggests cooking them for 12 minutes skin side down, then turning them skin side up and cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. If you want them even crispier, you can cook them in 4-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispness.

It's important to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken thighs, as overcooking can lead to dry meat. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F. If you're using an instant-read thermometer, you can insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs tend to be juicier and less prone to drying out than boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, it's still possible to overcook them, so it's important to keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness

To check that your chicken thighs are cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn't touch the bone. The internal temperature should be 165°F. If it hasn't reached this temperature, cook the chicken for another 1-2 minutes and check again.

You can buy an instant-read thermometer for less than $15, which will ensure your chicken is cooked properly.

It's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are better protected from drying out

To cook the perfect bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in an air fryer, place them in a single layer, skin-side down, making sure they are not touching. If they are, cook the chicken in batches. Air fry the chicken thighs for 16 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted at the thickest part of a thigh (but not touching bone) reaches 155°F. If you want your chicken thighs super crispy, you can cook them for four-minute increments until you reach your desired crispness.

For best results, use an instant-read thermometer. This will cost you less than $15 and will save your dinner. You can also use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 165ºF, and if not, cook for one to two minutes longer.

Chicken thighs should be cooked in a single layer and not touching

When cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer, making sure they're not touching each other. This ensures even cooking and browning. If your air fryer basket isn't large enough to accommodate all the thighs in a single layer without touching, simply cook the chicken in batches. This way, you'll achieve the best results and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy skin.

By cooking the chicken thighs in a single layer, you allow hot air to circulate around each piece evenly. This helps to create a consistent cooking environment, ensuring that every thigh cooks at the same rate. It also prevents the chicken pieces from steaming, which can make the skin soggy and less appealing.

Arranging the chicken thighs so they're not touching also helps to achieve that desirable crispy skin. When the chicken has room to breathe and isn't crowded in the air fryer, the hot air can work its magic on the skin, rendering the fat and making it deliciously crispy. This technique is especially important if you're aiming for that perfect, golden-brown finish.

Cooking in batches might take a little longer, but it's worth the effort for the best results. You can also use this opportunity to experiment with different seasonings and flavours for each batch, creating a variety of tasty chicken thighs to enjoy. So, when preparing your chicken thighs for the air fryer, remember to give them some space and cook in batches if needed—your taste buds will thank you!

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