Tillie Doyle
Bone-in chicken thighs are a great option for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes and require minimal preparation. The air fryer is perfect for cooking chicken thighs as it uses little to no oil, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 12 to 25 minutes to cook bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of cooking bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer, including preheating, seasoning, and cooking, along with tips for achieving the perfect crispy skin and juicy meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 12-25 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F |
| Spices | Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried herbs, Italian seasoning |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil cooking spray |
| Other Ingredients | Lemon juice |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer temperature and cooking time
The cooking time and temperature for bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer. Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs.
Most sources recommend preheating the air fryer to 375F/190C or 380F. One source recommends 400F. One source recommends 385F. Another source recommends 360F, but this is a much longer cooking time of 30 minutes.
Once preheated, add the chicken thighs to the air fryer basket, skin side down. Some sources recommend spraying the basket with cooking spray first. Cook for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
If you want crispier skin, you can increase the cooking time in 3-minute intervals until the desired crispiness is achieved. You can also rub the skin with a small amount of baking powder to make it crispier.
The FDA recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165F. However, some sources recommend cooking chicken thighs to a higher temperature for better texture. One source recommends 175F-185F, while another suggests 185F for dark meat.
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Chicken thigh internal temperature
The internal temperature of the chicken thighs is the most important factor in determining whether they are cooked. The FDA states that chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This temperature should be measured at the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone with the thermometer.
The cooking time for air-fried chicken thighs varies depending on the size of the thighs and the wattage of the air fryer. A general rule of thumb is to cook the chicken thighs for 16 to 22 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through. However, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the chicken is cooked properly.
When cooking boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time may need to be reduced. One source suggests cooking boneless thighs for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F. It is important to note that the temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests, so it is safe to remove it from the heat before it reaches 165°F.
For bone-in chicken thighs, it is recommended to cook them skin-side down first and then flip them over to ensure the skin is crispy. The total cooking time for bone-in thighs is usually around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the air fryer and the number of thighs being cooked.
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Chicken skin preparation
Pat the Chicken Skins Dry:
Use a paper towel or cloth to pat the chicken skins dry on both sides. Removing excess moisture helps the skins become crispier during cooking. This step is especially important if you're cooking chicken skins on their own, as you want them to be as dry as possible to achieve that crunchy texture.
Seasoning:
Seasoning the chicken skin can enhance its flavour. It is recommended to use salt as it brings out the natural flavours of the chicken. You can also experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, or dried herbs. However, if you're cooking the skins in the air fryer, it's best to stick to salt only, as other seasonings might burn due to the high heat. You can always add more seasonings after cooking or sprinkle some herbs on top when serving.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for cooking chicken skins is between 375°F to 400°F. Preheating ensures that the chicken skins start cooking immediately and helps to achieve that crispy texture.
Place the Chicken Skins in the Air Fryer Basket:
Place the chicken skins in a single layer on the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. This helps the skins cook evenly and prevents them from sticking to each other. If you have a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook the skins in batches.
Cooking Time and Temperature:
Cooking times may vary depending on the number of chicken skins and the model of your air fryer. For crispy chicken skins, cook at 400°F for a total of 12 minutes. At the halfway point (6 minutes), flip the chicken skins over. If the skins still look fatty or flabby, you can add an additional 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Remember, the skins will continue to crisp up as they cool, so you don't want to overcook them.
Cooling and Serving:
Once the chicken skins are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to cool. This step is crucial, as the skins will continue to crisp up as they cool. You can serve them as a snack or use them as a crunchy topping for other dishes. If you have any leftover chicken skins, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Chicken seasoning
Bone-in chicken thighs can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. To get that extra crispy skin, preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F for 5 minutes. After preheating, spray with cooking spray. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer.
Now, onto the fun part—seasoning! There are endless ways to season chicken thighs, but here are some ideas to get you started:
Dry Rubs
A dry rub is a mixture of herbs and spices that you can rub onto the chicken before cooking. You can buy pre-made dry rubs, or make your own by mixing together herbs and spices that you have on hand. Here are some common ingredients found in dry rubs for chicken:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried herbs (e.g. oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary)
- Cayenne pepper
- Cumin
- Chicken bouillon
Marinades
A marinade is a liquid mixture that you soak the chicken in before cooking, which helps to infuse the meat with flavor. You can use a variety of liquids as a base for your marinade, such as lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, or yogurt. Simply whisk together your chosen liquid with some herbs and spices, and then let the chicken thighs soak in the mixture for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Here are some common ingredients found in chicken marinades:
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Yogurt
- Mustard
- Honey
- Soy sauce
Sauces
Sauces are a great way to add moisture and flavor to chicken during or after cooking. You can spoon sauces over the chicken before serving, or serve them on the side as a dipping sauce. Here are some sauce ideas that pair well with chicken:
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard sauce
- Hot sauce
- Gravy
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredients to find your perfect chicken seasoning!
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Chicken side dishes
Bone-in chicken thighs can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. To start, preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F, depending on the model. Then, season the chicken thighs with spices of your choice—a common combination is salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder. Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side down, in the air fryer basket and cook for 16 to 22 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. The chicken thighs are done when an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
Now, onto the sides! Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to accompany your air-fried bone-in chicken thighs:
Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with chicken. You can elevate them by heating the milk and butter beforehand and adding spices like garlic and onion powder. For a more indulgent option, try scalloped potatoes or French onion baked potatoes. If you're looking for something lighter, roasted new red potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper are a tasty choice.
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful option. Try asparagus, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. If you're feeling adventurous, make Kung Pao Brussels sprouts with red chiles and garlic. You can also add a simple vegetable side dish like corn on the cob or a salad.
Pasta and Rice
For a heartier meal, pair your chicken with a pasta dish like lemon ricotta pasta or bruschetta pasta. Macaroni salad and pasta salad are also great options for a potluck or summer barbecue. If you're in the mood for rice, try Mexican red rice or herby quinoa.
Other Sides
Some other side dishes to consider are sweet potato gratin, Parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato fries. If you're grilling your chicken, a light and refreshing salad with watermelon, strawberries, arugula, and basil is a perfect choice. Don't forget the gravy or sauce to tie everything together!
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Frequently asked questions
Bone-in chicken thighs should be cooked in an air fryer for 12 minutes at 400°F, then flipped and cooked for an additional 7 to 12 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165°F when they are done.
The temperature should be set to 400°F.
The chicken is done when an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
