Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs: Cooking Time And Crispy Results

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook chicken thighs, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the number of chicken thighs, the wattage of the air fryer, and whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in. On average, chicken thighs take between 12 to 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of up to 29 minutes.

How to get the crispiest skin

To get the crispiest skin on your air-fried chicken thighs, there are a few steps you can follow. Firstly, make sure you are using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, as the skinless and boneless varieties will not yield the same crispy results.

Dry the chicken

Before seasoning the chicken, use a paper towel to pat the thighs dry. This will help to ensure a crispy exterior.

Seasoning

The seasoning you use is entirely up to your preference, but a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs is a popular choice. You can also add cornstarch to your seasoning mix, as this will help the skin get extra crispy.

Oil

After seasoning, drizzle or spray the chicken with a little cooking oil. This will help the seasoning coat the chicken evenly and promote that crispy skin.

Air fryer preparation

Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F. You can also spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. This will allow the skin to start rendering the fat without browning too much. Cook for around 12 minutes on this side, then flip and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when it is ready. If you want the skin even crispier, you can cook in 4-minute increments until your desired crispness is achieved.

Serving

For the crispiest skin, serve the chicken thighs immediately. The skin will not remain crispy once refrigerated, so enjoy that crunchy texture while it's hot!

How to get the juiciest meat

To get the juiciest chicken thighs in your air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as these result in the juiciest and most flavourful meat. Bone-in chicken is harder to dry out or overcook, and the skin protects the meat, locking in moisture.

Brining

One way to ensure your chicken thighs stay juicy is to brine them. Brining is the process of soaking the meat in a salt solution before cooking. This helps to lock in moisture and season the meat throughout. Simply sprinkle salt generously onto the meat side of the chicken thighs and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking.

Oil and Seasoning

Before cooking, it is important to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This will ensure a crispy exterior. Then, drizzle or rub oil onto the chicken. This helps the seasoning coat the chicken evenly and creates a crispy skin. You can use olive oil or a neutral oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.

For seasoning, you can use a simple mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning. You only need a small amount of each, and this combination will allow the natural flavour of the chicken to shine. Alternatively, you can use a premade spice mix like garlic herb seasoning.

Cooking

When cooking your chicken thighs in the air fryer, place them skin-side down first. This will help render the fat without browning the skin too much. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can cause the chicken to cook unevenly. For extra crispy skin, you can flip the chicken thighs over halfway through the cooking process and pat the skin dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your chicken thighs, but on average, it should take around 10-12 minutes on each side for bone-in chicken thighs. Boneless chicken thighs will cook much faster, so reduce the cooking time by a few minutes on each side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving

Air fryer chicken thighs go well with comfort vegetable sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-roasted carrots, or crispy smashed potatoes.

Tips

• If you want to get extra crispy skin, you can use a cooking spray or rub avocado oil on the air fryer basket before adding the chicken.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken.
• If you want to add a spicy kick to your chicken thighs, try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder to your seasoning mix.
• For a fun Asian twist, try marinating the chicken in eel sauce, katsu sauce, or bulgogi sauce.
• If you're short on time, you can skip the marinating process as the chicken thighs only need a few seasonings to shine.

What ingredients you'll need

To make juicy, crispy chicken thighs in an air fryer, you'll need a few simple ingredients.

First, you'll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. This cut of meat will ensure your chicken is juicy and flavourful, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs if that's your preference. Just remember that they will cook much faster and may dry out more easily.

Next, you'll need a combination of spices and seasonings to flavour your chicken. This is where you can get creative and tailor the spices to your taste. Some common options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or herbs de Provence, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of baking powder to the skin of the chicken for extra crispiness.

Additionally, you'll need some kind of cooking oil. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other types of oil will also work. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and promote that crispy skin we all love.

Finally, you might want to add some cornstarch to your chicken thighs. This will help the skin get extra crispy!

So, to summarise, here are the ingredients you'll need:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if you prefer)
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, etc.)
• Cooking oil (olive oil or another type)
• Optional: baking powder for extra crispy skin
• Optional: cornstarch

Step-by-step cooking instructions

Ingredients:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano or dried herbs (optional)
• Lemon (optional)
• Meat thermometer

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F for 5 minutes. If desired, spray the air fryer with cooking spray or rub oil onto the chicken.
• Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with a paper towel and cutting away any excess skin.
• Season the chicken. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning. Mix the seasonings with the chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag. You can also squeeze lemon juice over the thighs for extra flavour.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded, as this will affect cooking time and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
• Air fry the chicken thighs for 10 to 12 minutes on the first side.
• Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on the second side. For extra crispy skin, cook in 4-minute increments until the desired crispness is achieved.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for juicier meat and crispier skin. However, boneless chicken thighs can also be used, but the cooking time should be reduced.
• Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.
• For a complete meal, serve the chicken thighs with sides like cauliflower mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, broccoli salad, or a big green salad.

Reheating and storage instructions

Air fryer chicken thighs are a convenient and tasty meal option, and the good news is that they can be easily reheated and stored for future consumption. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Reheating Instructions:

• If you're reheating frozen chicken thighs, it is best to thaw them overnight before reheating. You can use an air fryer, oven, or even a microwave for this purpose.
• Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer and reheat at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. This will ensure the skin becomes crispy again, and the meat is warmed through.

Storage Instructions:

• For leftovers, place the chicken thighs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to five days.
• If you wish to store the cooked chicken thighs for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place them in a ziplock bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• If you want to prepare the chicken thighs ahead of time, you can season the raw chicken and cover it before placing it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to only do this a day or two in advance for optimal freshness.
• Once you're ready to cook, follow the air fryer cooking instructions.

Additional Notes:

• Note that the skin of the chicken thighs may not remain crispy once they have been refrigerated.
• When freezing, ensure the chicken is cooled before placing it in the freezer.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy delicious air fryer chicken thighs multiple times, making it a convenient option for meal preparation and ensuring you have tasty meals ready for busy days!

Frequently asked questions