Cody Casey
Chicken thighs are a versatile, juicy, and flavorful protein that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The cooking time varies depending on the wattage of the air fryer, the size of the chicken thighs, and whether they are boneless or bone-in. For example, boneless chicken thighs will require a shorter cooking time than bone-in thighs. The desired level of crispiness for the chicken skin will also impact the cooking time. To achieve the perfect level of doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken thighs has reached 165°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 375F/190C or 380F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 400F or 180C |
| Cooking time | 12 minutes on each side or 10 minutes on the first side and 10-15 minutes on the second side or 16-22 minutes in total |
| Chicken type | Bone-in, skin-on |
| Chicken temperature | 165F |
| Chicken weight | 4 bone-in chicken thighs fit in a 6-quart basket |
| Chicken size | Equal-sized to ensure even cooking |
| Chicken preparation | Pat dry with a paper towel, cut away excess skin, rub in seasoning |
| Chicken seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried herbs, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, baking powder |
| Chicken serving | 1 thigh |
| Chicken calories | 213 kcal |
| Chicken carbohydrates | 1.5 g |
| Chicken protein | 16 g |
| Chicken fat | 15.5 g |
| Chicken saturated fat | 4 g |
| Chicken sodium | 263 mg |
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$10.86
What You'll Learn
Cooking time for boneless chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs will take less time to cook than bone-in chicken thighs. While bone-in thighs are less likely to dry out or overcook, boneless thighs are still a good option and will be fine to eat.
One source recommends cooking boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer for 12 minutes in total, flipping the meat halfway through. Another source suggests cooking the thighs for 12 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy, and cooked through in the centre.
The cooking time will depend on the wattage of your air fryer, and the size of your chicken thighs. It's important to ensure the chicken is cooked through, and the best way to check this is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
To prepare the chicken, pat the meat dry with a paper towel and cut away any excess skin. You can then add your chosen seasonings. It's recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken, placing the meat skin-side down in the basket.
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Pre-heating the air fryer
Pre-heating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial for certain foods, especially if you want a good sear or crispy crust on your chicken thighs. Pre-heating your air fryer can also speed up the cooking time, prevent uneven cooking, and ensure your food is cooked evenly and quickly.
To pre-heat your air fryer, first, ensure there are no crumbs or bits and pieces in the air fryer vents. If you are using parchment paper to line your fry basket, do not put it inside the unit while pre-heating as it may blow into the heating coils and burn. If you are using a pre-heat function, simply press the button. If your model does not have this feature, set the temperature at which you are cooking the food or the temperature stated in the recipe (usually between 375°F/190°C and 400°F/204°C). Then, click "on" and let the air fryer heat for 2-5 minutes, depending on the size of your air fryer.
If you want your chicken thighs to be super crispy, you can spray some cooking spray or rub some oil on them before placing them in the air fryer. This will also help the seasonings to stick.
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Spices and seasonings
One popular spice blend for air fryer chicken thighs includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs. The salt enhances the natural flavour of the chicken, while the pepper adds a subtle kick. Garlic and onion powders contribute a savoury note, and smoked paprika lends a subtle smokiness and a hint of heat. Finally, dried herbs like herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning impart a fragrant, earthy quality to the dish. This blend of spices creates a well-rounded, robust profile that pairs exceptionally well with chicken.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder to the spice mixture. These spices will add a nice punch of heat to the chicken thighs. Alternatively, a squeeze of lemon juice can be incorporated for a tangy, bright flavour. Lemon pepper seasoning is another excellent option, providing a zesty, peppery twist to the dish. If using lemon pepper seasoning, omit salt from the spice mix, as the seasoning already contains salt.
Another secret ingredient to achieving ultra-crispy skin on air fryer chicken thighs is baking powder. It may sound unusual, but baking powder helps break down the bonds during cooking, resulting in that sought-after extra crispy skin. Additionally, coating the chicken thighs with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray before applying the seasonings helps the spices adhere better and promotes even crisping.
When seasoning chicken thighs for the air fryer, it is crucial to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before applying the spices. This step ensures that the skin crisps up nicely and helps retain the juices, resulting in a juicy interior and a crispy exterior. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for achieving this balance between crispiness and juiciness, as the bone adds flavour and moisture, and the skin protects the meat during cooking.
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Cooking temperature
The cooking temperature for chicken thigh cuts in an air fryer varies depending on the recipe and the desired cooking result. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer before cooking the chicken thighs. The preheating temperature can range from 180°C (356°F) to 380°F.
For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes, while another recommends preheating to 190°C (375°F). After preheating, you can spray the air fryer with cooking spray or rub some oil on the chicken thighs to help the seasonings stick.
During the cooking process, the temperature settings may vary depending on the desired level of crispness and doneness. Some recipes maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, such as cooking at 400°F for 12 minutes on each side or at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes. Other recipes suggest adjusting the temperature based on the chicken's appearance and internal temperature.
It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs, the wattage of the air fryer, and personal preferences for doneness and crispness. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken thighs, with an internal temperature of 165°F indicating that the chicken is ready to be served.
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Cooking time for bone-in chicken thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs are a great option for a juicy and flavourful meal. The bone adds extra flavour to the chicken meat and bone-in chicken is harder to dry out or overcook. It also takes longer to cook than boneless chicken, which is a good thing if you're trying to achieve crispier skin.
To cook bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. You can also preheat to 380°F for 5 minutes if you prefer. Some recipes suggest spraying the air fryer with cooking spray or avocado oil cooking spray at this point, but this is only necessary if you want your food to be extra crispy.
Next, prepare your chicken thighs. Pat them dry with a paper towel and cut away any excess skin. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs like Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence. You can also add lemon juice to taste. Mix the chicken thighs with the seasonings, or place them in a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid and shake to coat.
Now you're ready to cook the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side down. Air fry for 12 minutes, or until golden, then flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up. You can pat the skin dry at this point to help it crisp up. Air fry for another 10-14 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F when it's ready.
Your air fryer chicken thighs should now be ready to serve. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 12 minutes to cook chicken thigh cuts in an air fryer. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, turn the chicken thighs skin side up and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 380°F for 5 minutes.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken.
To get the skin crispy, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking and cut away any excess skin. You can also try using baking powder, as it breaks down the bonds during cooking, resulting in extra crispy skin.
You can use a variety of seasonings on chicken thighs, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried herbs. You can also add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder.
