Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs: Cooking Time And Crispy Results

Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy meat with a crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken thighs used, with boneless chicken thighs cooking faster than bone-in thighs, and the size of your air fryer. On average, chicken thighs will take between 12 and 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How to get crispy skin

To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, follow these steps:

• Pat the chicken dry: Use paper towels to soak up any excess moisture on the chicken thighs. This is an important step to ensure crispy skin, as dry skin will crisp up better than wet skin.
• Add oil: Drizzle or rub olive oil or cooking oil on the chicken thighs. This will help the seasonings coat the chicken and promote crisping.
• Apply seasonings: Mix your desired seasonings in a bowl, then coat the chicken thighs with the mixture. You can use a variety of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried herbs.
• Place skin-side down first: When placing the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, put them skin-side down first. This will allow the skin to render the fat without browning too much, resulting in crispy skin.
• Flip halfway through: To ensure even cooking, flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process. This will prevent one side from being soggy while the other is super crispy.
• Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the optimal temperature for cooked chicken.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicier meat.

By following these steps and adjusting the cooking time based on your air fryer and the size of the chicken thighs, you can achieve crispy skin on your air-fried chicken thighs.

How long to cook boneless thighs for

While bone-in chicken thighs are generally recommended for air frying, it is also possible to cook boneless thighs in an air fryer. Boneless chicken thighs will cook much faster than bone-in thighs but will be less juicy.

When cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer, it is important to note that the cooking time will be significantly reduced compared to bone-in thighs. Boneless thighs will cook much faster and will not be as juicy as bone-in thighs. The recommended cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer is between 6 and 13 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs and the wattage of the air fryer.

One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 380°F and cooking the boneless thighs for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F. Letting the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes will allow the temperature to continue to rise, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Another recipe recommends cooking boneless thighs at 400°F for 12 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy, and cooked through in the center. This recipe also emphasizes the importance of using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F.

Tips for Cooking Boneless Thighs in an Air Fryer

When cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer, it is important to note the following tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook the thighs in batches if necessary.
• Always pat dry the chicken before seasoning to guarantee a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Choose equal-sized chicken thighs so they cook at the same rate.

How to reheat chicken thighs

There are several ways to reheat chicken thighs, including using an air fryer, an oven, or a microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat chicken thighs to achieve the best results:

Using an Air Fryer:

• Step 1: Take the cooked and cooled chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature. This step is optional but helps ensure even reheating.
• Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). The exact temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
• Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even heating.
• Step 4: Reheat the chicken thighs for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through. The exact time will depend on the size and number of chicken thighs and your air fryer settings.
• Step 5: Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs using a meat thermometer. Ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
• Step 6: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Using an Oven:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Step 2: Place the chicken thighs on a baking dish or sheet. If desired, you can cover them with aluminium foil to retain moisture.
• Step 3: Reheat the chicken thighs in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. The time may vary depending on the number of chicken thighs and your oven's settings.
• Step 4: Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Step 5: Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and serve.

Using a Microwave:

• Step 1: Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate or container.
• Step 2: Cover the chicken thighs with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
• Step 3: Set the microwave to medium power and reheat the chicken thighs for 1-2 minutes. The time may vary depending on the number of chicken thighs and your microwave's settings.
• Step 4: Check if the chicken thighs are heated through. If not, continue reheating in short intervals until they are warm enough.
• Step 5: Remove the chicken thighs from the microwave and serve.

Remember, it is important to ensure that the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to destroy any harmful bacteria and ensure they are safe to eat. Always follow food safety guidelines when handling and reheating chicken.

What to serve with chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are a versatile cut of meat that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to elevate your meal. Here are some ideas to complement the juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken thighs:

Vegetables

• Asparagus and Spinach Salad: Combine the flavours of asparagus, bacon, blue cheese, sweet pecans, and a tangy dressing. You can serve the chicken thighs cut up on top of the spinach leaves or make little wraps.
• Zucchini Ribbons: A simple and light option. Cut zucchini into ribbons using a vegetable peeler and cook them with a little oil. You can spoon the zucchini ribbons over the chicken thighs before serving.
• Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus makes an elegant companion to chicken thighs. Season it with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon, or finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: When roasted, Brussels sprouts caramelize and sweeten, offering a wonderful contrast to the savoury chicken. You can also drizzle them with balsamic reduction for a tangy note.
• Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic and olive oil make an exceptional side dish. You can also add toasted slivered almonds or grated Parmesan cheese.
• Broccoli: Serve with a broccoli salad or roasted broccoli.
• Roasted Beet Salad: A vibrant and earthy-sweet side dish that pairs well with the savoury chicken. You can add peppery arugula, tangy goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
• Roasted Squash with Pomegranate and Goat Cheese: A colourful and fancy-looking side dish that is deceptively quick and easy to make.
• Whole Roasted Carrots or Carrot and Potato Mix: The sweetness of roasted carrots pairs well with the savoury chicken. You can also mix roasted carrots with potatoes for a comforting and filling meal.

Starches

• Baked Tater Tots: A classic side dish that is loved by both children and adults. You can find them in the frozen food section of your grocery store and bake them in the oven.
• Waffle Fries with Chipotle Mayo: Bake them until crispy and serve with a side of chipotle mayo or ketchup. You can also top them with sautéed onions, grated cheese, chili powder, or garlic salt.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: A customisable side dish that goes well with chicken. You can add bacon bits, chives, sour cream, or melted cheese. Bake them in the oven for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The creamy texture and sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes contrast beautifully with the savoury chicken. You can enhance the flavour with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: A comforting side dish to pair with the chicken thighs.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A bonus is that kids will love them!
• Cold Lemon Zoodles: Perfect for a summer meal.
• Quinoa Brussels Sprout Gratin with Smoked Cheddar: A gooey and comforting casserole.
• Couscous Salad: A bright and fresh side dish with an assortment of vegetables and a zesty dressing.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky and buttery biscuits can soak up the delicious juices of the chicken.

Other Options

• Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese: A comforting and indulgent side dish. You can use whole wheat pasta for a lighter option.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip: A popular appetizer that can be served as a side dish. You can use cream cheese or Greek yoghurt for a lighter version. Serve it with bread rolls for dipping.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: A filling side dish with rice, ground beef, green onions, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
• Cornbread: A homey and delicious partner for chicken thighs. The slight sweetness and moist texture of cornbread complement the savoury chicken.
• Kimchi Fried Rice: A tasty and unique side dish that also works well with cauliflower rice.
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Smoky, crunchy, and delicious.
• Greek Wedge Salad: A classic salad option with a homemade vinaigrette and tons of vegetable toppings.
• Coconut Creamed Spinach: A creamy and rich side dish made with coconut milk instead of cream.

What seasonings to use

The seasonings you use on your chicken thighs will depend on the flavours you want to create. Chicken thighs are a darker meat and are naturally more flavourful and juicy, so they don't need many seasonings to make them shine.

If you want to keep things simple, you can use a basic combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mixture allows the natural flavours of the chicken thighs to shine. You can also add Italian seasoning to this mix for a slightly different flavour profile.

If you want to add a spicy kick to your chicken thighs, you can include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chilli powder in your seasoning mix. Alternatively, you can marinate the chicken in eel sauce, katsu sauce, or bulgogi sauce for an Asian twist.

For a more complex flavour, you can create a rub for your chicken thighs. A garlic paprika rub is a great option and is made from common spices you likely already have in your pantry. You can also experiment with different spice combinations, such as Parmesan, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, curry powder, or garlic butter.

• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder (plus salt and pepper)
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, and dried herbs (such as herbs de Provence)
• Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and salt
• Paprika, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper

Frequently asked questions