Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Bone-In, Time-Saving, Delicious

Bone-in chicken thighs are a tasty, juicy, and healthy option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are a bargain compared to boneless thighs and are packed with protein and nutrients. You can cook them in an air fryer in under 30 minutes for a delicious, family-friendly meal.

Seasoning and spices

The seasoning and spices you use can make or break your chicken thighs. The good news is that you can switch up the spices to change the flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations.

Basic Seasoning

A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika is a great place to start. You can also add dried herbs like herbs de Provence or dried oregano for extra flavor. This basic seasoning is a versatile choice that goes well with various side dishes.

Lemon Zest

For a bright and fresh flavor, add some lemon zest to your seasoning blend. The lemon zest will add a citrusy aroma and a tangy taste to your chicken thighs. This option is perfect for a summer meal or a light lunch.

Parmesan Cheese

If you're looking for a cheesy and savory option, add some grated Parmesan cheese to your spice mixture. The Parmesan cheese will add a salty and nutty flavor to your chicken thighs, making them even more irresistible. This option goes well with a side of broccoli salad or cauliflower mac and cheese.

Cayenne Pepper

To spice things up, literally, add some cayenne pepper to your seasoning blend. Cayenne pepper will give your chicken thighs a nice kick, making them perfect for those who like their food with a little extra heat. This option goes well with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.

Brown Sugar

For a sweet and savory option, add some brown sugar to your spice mixture. The brown sugar will balance out the savory flavors of the chicken and create a delicious glaze. This option goes well with a side of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Italian Seasoning

If you're in the mood for some Italian-inspired flavors, add some Italian seasoning to your spice mixture. Italian seasoning typically includes a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, which will give your chicken thighs a warm and inviting aroma. This option goes well with a side of pasta or rice.

Curry Powder

Take your chicken thighs on a trip to India by adding some curry powder to your spice mixture. Curry powder typically includes a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which will give your chicken thighs a deep golden color and a complex flavor. This option goes well with a side of turmeric rice or quinoa salad.

Garlic Butter

For a rich and savory option, omit the smoked paprika and add extra garlic powder and melted butter to your spice mixture. The garlic butter will give your chicken thighs a mouthwatering aroma and a luxurious texture. This option goes well with a side of garlic pasta or roasted butternut squash.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to experiment and find the combinations that you and your family enjoy the most. Don't be afraid to mix and match different spices and herbs to create your own signature blend. Happy cooking!

Cooking time and temperature

Bone-in chicken thighs can be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F/190°C or 400°F/200°C. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs, the wattage of the air fryer, and whether the thighs are cooked in batches.

For an air fryer set to 375°F/190°C, bone-in chicken thighs should be cooked for 12 minutes, and then flipped and cooked for another 12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F/74°C.

For an air fryer set to 400°F/200°C, bone-in chicken thighs should be cooked for 12 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F/74°C. This will typically take 24-25 minutes, but can take up to 30 minutes depending on the air fryer model.

It is important to ensure that the air fryer basket is not overcrowded, as this can cause the chicken to cook unevenly. If needed, cook the thighs in batches. It is also recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken, as this will ensure that the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly.

For extra crispy skin, the chicken thighs can be cooked skin-side down first, and then flipped over to cook the other side. This will allow the skin to start rendering the fat without browning the skin too much.

Pre-heating the air fryer

The simple act of pre-heating your air fryer can elevate the taste and texture of your chicken thighs. By reaching the desired temperature before adding the chicken, you create a consistent cooking environment that promotes even cooking and browning. This step is especially important if you want a crispy exterior similar to that of deep-fried food.

Pre-heating Temperature and Duration

To pre-heat your air fryer effectively, set the temperature to 380°F to 400°F. This temperature range is ideal for cooking chicken thighs, as it will help render the fat and create a crispy skin. The duration for pre-heating can vary, but generally, 5 to 7 minutes at this temperature is sufficient.

Benefits of Pre-heating

Pre-heating your air fryer offers several advantages:

• Even Cooking: Pre-heating ensures that your chicken thighs cook evenly, reducing the likelihood of overcooked or undercooked spots.
• Crispier Results: If you desire a crispy exterior on your chicken thighs, pre-heating is essential. It helps create the ideal environment for browning and crisping.
• Time Efficiency: By pre-heating your air fryer, you can save time by not having to extend the cooking duration to achieve the desired level of doneness.
• Flavor Enhancement: Pre-heating can also enhance the flavor of your chicken thighs. It creates a hotter environment that seals in juices and intensifies the flavors of the seasonings.

Tips for Optimal Results

To get the best results when cooking bone-in chicken thighs in your air fryer, consider the following tips:

• Don't overcrowd the basket: Ensure there is adequate space between the chicken thighs. If your air fryer basket looks crowded, cook the chicken in batches to allow proper air circulation.
• Higher Temperature for Chicken: When cooking chicken thighs, maintain a higher temperature, such as 400°F. This temperature is ideal for achieving juicy and thoroughly cooked chicken.
• Use Oil Sparingly: When seasoning your chicken thighs, use oil sparingly. A light coating of oil, along with salt, pepper, and herbs, is usually sufficient.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

Depending on your preference, you can use either bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended as the bone keeps the meat juicy, and the skin gets crispy during cooking. If you use boneless thighs, you will need to reduce the cooking time. You will also need a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked.

For four servings, you will need:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil.
• Combine the seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle them over the chicken pieces. Rub the seasonings onto the chicken to help them stick, and try to get some seasoning under the skin for maximum flavour.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer in a single layer, skin-side down. Make sure they are not touching; if they are, cook the chicken in batches.
• Air fry the chicken thighs for 12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7-12 minutes, until they are cooked through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can customise the herbs and spices used in this recipe to suit your taste. For example, you could use smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or add some Parmesan cheese to the spice mixture.
• Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning it to ensure a crispy exterior and keep all the juices inside.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the chicken in batches if needed.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken thighs. Here are some suggestions:

Side Dishes

• Salads, such as a green salad, quinoa salad, or broccoli salad
• Roasted vegetables, including butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli, zucchini, or sweet potatoes
• Rice, including mushroom rice, turmeric rice, or lemon rice
• Potatoes, such as roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or baked potatoes

Variations

You can also experiment with different seasonings to create a variety of flavors:

• Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Add Parmesan cheese to the spice mixture.
• Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Brown Sugar Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Add brown sugar to the spice mixture for a BBQ-style flavor.
• Italian Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Add Italian seasoning to the mix.
• Curry Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Add curry powder for a dish that goes well with turmeric rice.
• Garlic Butter Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Omit the paprika, add extra garlic powder, and use melted butter instead of oil.
• Lemon Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Add lemon zest to the spice mixture, and serve with pasta or rice.

Frequently asked questions