Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make for dinner. They are super juicy with extra crispy skin and only take about 20 minutes to cook to perfection! The air fryer is a mini convection oven that uses hot air circulating rapidly to cook – this rapid hot air results in fast evaporation, which means your food cooks fast enough to not dry out, while getting a crispy exterior. You can use any seasoning mix you like, but a simple mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper is recommended.

How long to air fry chicken thighs at 400°F for a crispy exterior

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes. The key to getting a crispy exterior is to ensure the chicken skin is dry before cooking and to cook the chicken skin-side down first.

Ingredients

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Other seasonings to taste

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Mix together your seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken pieces, rubbing them in to help them stick.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down.
• Air fry the chicken for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you will need to reduce the cooking time.
• If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
• For extra crispy chicken, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the chicken.

The best spices and seasonings for air fryer chicken thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make, and there are several different spices and seasonings you can use to elevate the dish. Here are some of the best options to try:

Spices and Seasonings

• Paprika – This spice adds a smoky flavour to the chicken. You can use either sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
• Dried Oregano – This herb brings an earthy, slightly bitter flavour to the dish.
• Garlic Powder – Garlic powder is a must-have for many chicken dishes, adding a savoury kick.
• Onion Powder – Onion powder brings a sweet and sharp flavour to the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper – These two classic seasonings help to bring out the flavour of the other spices and herbs.

Other Seasoning Options

In addition to the spice rub, you can also try marinating the chicken in buttermilk before seasoning and air frying. This will make the chicken extra juicy and tender. Some recipes also suggest squeezing lemon juice over the thighs before adding the spices for a zesty kick.

Tips for Cooking

When preparing the chicken, make sure to pat the thighs dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil before adding the seasoning. This will help the spices stick to the meat. Also, try to get some seasoning under the skin for maximum flavour.

When cooking, arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

How to prevent air fryer chicken thighs from drying out

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make, but it can be easy to overcook them, leading to dry chicken. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Brine the Chicken

Brining is a process that involves soaking the chicken in a solution of water and salt, along with spices for added flavour. The salt in the brine acts on the proteins in the meat, improving their ability to retain moisture. The brine also causes the muscle fibres in the meat to swell, trapping more moisture.

Use a Little Oil

Although air fryers can cook meat without oil, this can result in dry chicken with a leathery texture. To prevent this, use one to two teaspoons of oil to coat the chicken before placing it in the air fryer. This will improve the texture and moisture levels of the chicken without sacrificing the health benefits of using an air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer for at least 10 minutes ensures that your food begins cooking as soon as it is loaded into the appliance, contributing to a crispy, well-cooked texture.

Check the Temperature of the Air Fryer

There can be variations in the stated temperatures of different models of air fryers, and cooking at a higher temperature than intended can result in dry chicken. To prevent this, check the temperature of your air fryer with a thermometer at least once every six months and make adjustments as needed.

Adjust the Cooking Time

Cooking chicken at a high temperature for an extended period can cause it to dry out. As a general rule, the longer you cook something, the drier it will become. To prevent overcooking, refer to a cooking chart for the correct temperature and time based on what you are cooking. If your air fryer's actual temperature is higher than indicated, you may need to reduce the cooking time.

Use a Food Thermometer

A food thermometer can be used to check the temperature of the chicken towards the end of cooking to ensure it is cooked to the recommended temperature without being overcooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch any bones. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165 ºF (73.8 ºC) for poultry.

How to cook air fryer chicken thighs without the skin

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
• Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
• Oregano or dried herbs (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F-400°F for 5 minutes.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and trim away any excess skin or fat.
• (Optional) Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil.
• Mix together your chosen seasonings in a small bowl.
• Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in to help it stick.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
• Air fry the chicken thighs for 12 minutes.
• Flip the chicken thighs and cook for a further 7-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you are cooking skinless chicken thighs, there is no need to flip them during cooking.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will take 11-15 minutes to cook in total, depending on their size.
• If you want your chicken thighs to be extra crispy, cook for an additional 4 minutes at a time until you reach your desired level of crispness.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to reheat air fryer chicken thighs

If you're looking to reheat chicken thighs in an air fryer, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, if your chicken has been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. You can also brush the chicken with a little oil or cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Next, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for the air to circulate. If you're reheating larger pieces, you may need to do this in batches. Set the temperature to 350°F and reheat. Flip the chicken after 6 minutes for even heating. Depending on the size of your chicken thighs, they should be heated through within 10 to 20 minutes.

To ensure your chicken is safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F. If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last minute of cooking.

Some other tips to keep in mind: avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can result in uneven heating. Also, remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness of your chicken pieces.

Frequently asked questions