Marianne Martinez
Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get juicy meat with a crispy exterior. The air fryer's rapid hot air circulation cooks food quickly without drying it out, making it perfect for chicken thighs, which are a darker meat with more fat and calories than chicken breasts. So, how long do you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F?
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What You'll Learn
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 meat and makes it harder to dry out or overcook. The skin also helps to lock in moisture, so you don't need to brine the meat.
When cooking bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. On average, it takes around 12 minutes on each side, so 24 minutes in total, for the chicken to be cooked through with golden, crispy skin. It is recommended to flip the chicken thighs halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Some recipes suggest cooking bone-in chicken thighs at 400°F for 16 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This can be checked with an instant-read thermometer. It is also suggested that you pat the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking, as this will help to achieve a crispy exterior.
Bone-in chicken thighs can also be cooked at 375°F-400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method still produces juicy chicken with a crispy exterior, but with a slightly shorter cooking time.
Overall, when cooking bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, the cooking time can range from 24 to 26 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and crispiness.
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Cooking time for boneless chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a quick and easy meal, as they generally take less time to cook than bone-in chicken thighs. When cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer being used. However, on average, the cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F ranges from 10 to 24 minutes.
Some sources suggest cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F for a total of 12 to 14 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through. This means cooking each side for 6 to 7 minutes. This shorter cooking time is recommended especially if you are cooking the chicken over some vegetables, as you will need to add about 5 minutes to the cook time.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer being used. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through. Boneless chicken thighs are considered done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
To ensure even cooking and a consistent crispy texture, it is recommended to arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Additionally, patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking can help reduce excess moisture and result in crispier skin.
For a simple and delicious recipe, you can season the boneless chicken thighs with a blend of spices such as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend of spices adds a lot of flavor to the chicken, making it a tasty and healthy option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
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How to get crispy skin
To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin protects the meat during cooking, locking in moisture, and the bone adds extra flavour.
Firstly, pat the chicken thighs dry on both sides with a paper towel and cut away any excess skin. Then, season the chicken with your chosen spices and rub them in well. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or a mixture of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder. For extra crispy skin, add a pinch of baking powder to the skin of each chicken thigh and rub it in until it is no longer visible.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Air fry the chicken for 12 minutes, then flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up. Pat the skin dry again with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help the skin to crisp up. Air fry for a further 12-14 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy. If you prefer your chicken thighs even crispier, you can increase the cooking time in 3-4 minute increments until your desired crispness is achieved.
Your chicken thighs are now ready to be served!
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What to serve with chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are a versatile dish, and there are many options to serve alongside them. Here are some ideas:
Salads
A fresh and crisp salad is a great way to balance out your meal. You could go for a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. Alternatively, you could add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or spinach. If you want something a little more indulgent, try a spinach salad with feta cheese and strawberries or pecans. Another option is to make a tomato and peach salad with a tangy dressing.
Vegetables
There are several vegetables that make a great side dish for chicken thighs. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or asparagus are a tasty option. Roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans also pair well with chicken thighs. If you're looking for something more comforting, try creamy mashed potatoes or roasted carrots.
Starches
Rice is a popular choice to serve with chicken thighs. For something a little more exotic, try jeera rice or a side of naan bread. If you're feeling creative, you could make cheesy tater tots or polenta.
Other Sides
Some other options to serve with chicken thighs include quinoa, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or bacon and avocado. If you want something more substantial, you could make chicken tinga tacos or serve your chicken with a curry-style gravy.
Cooking Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer at 400°F
If you're cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, the cooking time will depend on whether your chicken thighs are boneless or bone-in. For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 12 minutes on each side, for a total of 24 minutes. If you're using an instant-read thermometer, cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. For bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time to 16 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Seasoning and spices
When it comes to seasoning and spices for your chicken thighs, there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spices and Seasonings:
- Paprika: Regular, sweet, or smoked paprika can be used, adding a deep red colour and a slightly sweet or smoky flavour to the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder will add a savoury punch to your chicken thighs.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing the flavour of your chicken.
- Onion Powder: This adds a savoury, onion flavour without the moisture of fresh onions.
- Dried Herbs: Try herbs de Provence or dried oregano for a touch of herbal flavour.
- Lemon: Squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken thighs for a bright, acidic note.
- Parsley, Cilantro, or Thyme: Fresh herbs like these can be used to garnish your cooked chicken thighs.
Spice Blends:
You can also try making a spice blend by combining several of the above ingredients. Here are a few suggestions:
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix paprika, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir together paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Tips:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your favourite combinations.
- Try rubbing some of the seasoning under the skin of the chicken to add flavour to the meat.
- If using boneless chicken thighs, you may need to reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Always ensure your chicken thighs are fully cooked before serving. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F.
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Frequently asked questions
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will take 24 to 26 minutes at 400°F. Boneless chicken thighs will take 10 to 12 minutes.
Pat the skin dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up in the air fryer. You can also add a dash of baking powder to the skin before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
