Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make for lunch or dinner. The cooking time varies depending on the recipe and the air fryer, but it typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to get the juiciest boneless thighs in an air fryer

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a quick, tasty, and easy weeknight dinner option. The dark meat of chicken thighs is naturally more flavourful and juicy, so you don't need many seasonings to make them shine. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting juicy boneless chicken thighs with a crispy exterior.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs: The star of the dish, providing a juicy and tender base.
• Olive oil or non-stick spray: This helps in marinating and ensures even cooking. You can also use avocado oil or olive oil spray.
• Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the most commonly used spices. You can also add onion powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, or dried herbs like oregano and thyme.

Method:

Prepping the Chicken:

• Mix your chosen spices and olive oil in a bowl to form a paste. You can adjust the amount of spice and oil to your preference.
• Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.
• Let the chicken marinate for a few minutes so the flavours can meld.

Air Frying the Chicken:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 380-390°F.
• Place the chicken thighs in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping or overcrowded. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this.
• Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more juicy.

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Always flip the chicken halfway through to prevent one side from being overcooked or undercooked.
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and keep all the juices inside.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.
• You can marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mixture and store them in the refrigerator overnight to enhance the flavours and save prep time.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a main dish with side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a simple pasta dish.
• Slice the chicken and add it to sandwiches, wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
• Freeze individual portions and microwave to reheat for a quick and easy lunch option.

Enjoy your juicy and crispy air fryer boneless chicken thighs!

How to get the crispiest boneless thighs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs
• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Brown sugar (optional)

Method:

First, pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Then, mix your chosen spices and olive oil in a bowl to form a paste. You can also add lemon juice to this mixture for extra flavour. Next, coat the chicken thighs evenly with the mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.

Now, preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 390°F. Place the chicken thighs in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

To get the crispiest thighs, you can add a couple more minutes to the cooking time, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more juicy and flavourful.

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• Always flip the chicken halfway through to prevent one side from being overcooked or undercooked.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
• For extra crispiness, add a couple of minutes to the cooking time, but keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.
• Marinate the chicken in the spice mixture overnight for enhanced flavour and reduced prep time.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a main dish with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, or pasta.
• Slice and serve in sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomato, and sauce.
• Chop and add to a salad or grain bowl with rice or quinoa and vegetables.

How to prep boneless thighs for the air fryer

Preparing boneless chicken thighs for the air fryer is a simple process that yields juicy and flavorful results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best outcome:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

You will need boneless chicken thighs, preferably patted dry with a paper towel. For spices, you can use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Additionally, you may want to include olive oil or nonstick cooking spray to help with crisping the chicken. Basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, measuring spoons, and tongs will also be useful.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning

In a mixing bowl, combine your chosen spices and olive oil (if using) to create a paste-like mixture. You can adjust the spice quantities and include additional spices like onion powder, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Evenly coat each chicken thigh with the seasoning mixture, ensuring every piece is well covered. You can let the chicken marinate for a few minutes to enhance the flavor absorption.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 380°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model, but this temperature range will help achieve a crispy exterior.

Step 5: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and the desirable crispy texture. Lightly spray the chicken with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil if desired.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, boneless chicken thighs will take around 18 to 20 minutes to cook through. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the safe minimum temperature for cooked chicken. For fall-apart tender meat, you can aim for an internal temperature of 175°F to 185°F.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more flavorful and juicy. Your boneless chicken thighs are now ready to be enjoyed!

How long do bone-in thighs take in the air fryer?

Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless thighs. The cooking time depends on the number of chicken thighs you are cooking, the size of the thighs, and the wattage of your air fryer.

Cooking time for bone-in chicken thighs:

• It is recommended to cook bone-in chicken thighs for 12 minutes on the first side and then 10-15 minutes on the second side.
• Some recipes suggest cooking bone-in chicken thighs for 15 minutes on the first side and 12 minutes on the second side.
• If you want your chicken thighs to be extra crispy, you can cook them for 4-minute increments after the initial cooking time.
• The chicken thighs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for cooking bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer:

• Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before adding any seasonings.
• Trim any excess skin or fat from the chicken thighs before cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken thighs in batches if necessary.
• Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs.
• You can use a variety of seasonings and spices on your chicken thighs, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs.

Serving suggestions:

• Air fryer chicken thighs can be served with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, pasta, quinoa salad, or tomato soup.
• They can also be used in sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls.

Storage and reheating instructions:

• Cooked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken thighs overnight and then reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

How to store leftover boneless thighs

Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To ensure your chicken lasts for 4 days, it is important to let it cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge.

If you want to store your cooked chicken for longer, you can freeze it! Seal your cooked chicken in a freezer bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the air fryer or oven.

Reheating your chicken in the air fryer will help retain its texture and taste. If you're reheating from frozen, make sure your chicken is fully thawed before placing it in the air fryer. You can also add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to ensure your chicken doesn't dry out.

Frequently asked questions