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

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken thighs, resulting in juicy meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken thigh used. Boneless skinless chicken thighs should be cooked at 390F for 14 minutes, while bone-in chicken thighs require a temperature of 390F for 18 minutes. For a super crispy skin, it is recommended to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process. There are also a variety of seasonings and spices that can be added to the chicken thighs to change up the flavor.

Cooking time for boneless skinless chicken thighs

Cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tasty meal. The cooking time will depend on the number of chicken thighs you are preparing and the temperature setting of your air fryer.

For a single layer of boneless skinless chicken thighs, set your air fryer to 390°F and cook for 14 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides. The chicken thighs are ready to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you are cooking multiple batches of chicken thighs, or if your air fryer has a different temperature setting, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you are cooking four or more chicken thighs, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

Additionally, if you prefer your chicken thighs with a crispy skin, you can cook them skin-side down first for 10 minutes at 180°C, and then flip them over and cook for an additional 6-14 minutes at 390°F until the skin is golden and crispy.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the chicken thighs, so it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the meat. The chicken thighs are ready to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Bone-in chicken thigh cooking instructions

Bone-in chicken thighs are a great option for a juicy and delicious meal. Here is a detailed guide on how to cook them in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Bone-in chicken thighs (with skin on for crispy skin)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Chilli powder (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Ensure the air fryer basket is clean and free of any crumbs or residue.
• Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry on both sides with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving crispy skin.
• In a large bowl, combine the oil and spices.
• Place the chicken thighs into the bowl and coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Ensure the thighs are well-coated on all sides.
• Place the chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure they are not overlapping and cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry the chicken thighs for 12 minutes.
• After 12 minutes, flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up. This will help the skin crisp up.
• Air fry again for 12-14 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when it is ready.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• You can add a dash of baking powder to the spice mixture for even crispier skin.
• If you want to reheat any leftovers, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
• Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your juicy and crispy air-fried bone-in chicken thighs!

How to get crispy skin

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

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the chicken skin is dry. Pat the skin with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up in the air fryer. You can also cut away any excess skin.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes. After preheating, you can spray the air fryer with cooking spray, such as avocado oil, if desired.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and olive oil. You can use a variety of spices and herbs, such as paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the chicken thighs with the seasonings, ensuring they are well coated.

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. This positioning will allow the skin to render the fat without browning too much, resulting in crispy skin. For bone-in chicken thighs, cook at 390°F for 18 minutes. If you are using boneless chicken thighs, cook at the same temperature for 14 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time.

After the initial cooking time, check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. If it has not reached this temperature, continue cooking in 3-4 minute intervals until it does.

Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, juicy, and perfectly cooked breaded chicken thighs!

Reheating instructions

Reheating breaded chicken thighs in an air fryer is a great way to make the chicken skin crispy and ensure the meat stays juicy. Here are the steps to reheat breaded chicken thighs in an air fryer:

Preparation:

Before reheating, there are a few important preparation steps to follow. Firstly, bring the chicken thighs to room temperature by setting them out for at least 30 minutes before reheating. This helps ensure even cooking. If your chicken thighs have been stored in the freezer, make sure to thaw them completely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for reheating chicken thighs is between 350°F and 400°F. You can also preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C or 380°F/180°C as suggested by some sources.

Oil (Optional):

For maximum crispiness, you can spritz or spray the chicken skin with a small amount of oil, such as avocado oil or olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance the texture of the chicken skin.

Placement in the Air Fryer:

Unwrap the chicken thighs and discard any packaging. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively. If you are reheating a large quantity, you may need to work in batches.

Reheating Time and Temperature:

The reheating time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the desired level of crispiness. For smaller pieces, reheat for 2-3 minutes at 400°F or 5-7 minutes at 375°F/190°C. For larger pieces, increase the time to 8-10 minutes at 375°F/190°C or 6-8 minutes at 350°F.

During the reheating process, it is recommended to flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking to ensure even heating and crispiness on both sides. Additionally, if you are using any sauce, brush it on 1-2 minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if the chicken thighs are done, use a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature indicates that the chicken is safely cooked and ready to be served.

Cooling and Serving:

Once the chicken thighs have reached the desired temperature and crispiness, remove them from the air fryer tray. You can place them on a wire rack or paper towel to cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your delicious and crispy reheated breaded chicken thighs!

What to serve with breaded chicken thighs

Breaded chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to serve with breaded chicken thighs:

Savory Sides

If you're looking for something savory, you can opt for creamy mac and cheese, southern green beans, or roasted green beans. These sides will complement the breaded chicken thighs perfectly and provide a comforting, indulgent meal.

Healthy Sides

For a healthier option, you can cook broccolini and sweet potatoes in your air fryer. These vegetables will add a nutritious boost to your meal without sacrificing taste. Air-fried foods are a great way to enjoy crispy, delicious flavors without the extra oil and calories of traditional frying methods.

Salads

A big green salad is always a refreshing option to serve with breaded chicken thighs. You can also try a quinoa salad or a simple BBQ salad. If you're looking for something more substantial, a pasta salad or Lemon Cream Pasta could be a tasty option.

Starches

Starchier sides like mashed potatoes, roasted butternut squash, or Crispy Smashed Potatoes are also great choices. These options can round out your meal and provide a satisfying contrast to the crispy texture of the chicken.

Other Options

Breaded chicken thighs are quite versatile, so you can also experiment with different sides. Roasted Brussels sprouts, honey-roasted carrots, or tomato soup are all delicious options that can complement the flavors of the chicken. Additionally, you can serve them with freshly baked bread rolls for a comforting, hearty meal.

Frequently asked questions