Tillie Doyle
Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer oven is a quick and easy way to get juicy and tender meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on whether the thighs are boneless or bone-in, and whether they are cooked from fresh or frozen. For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. For bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 24-27 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for bone-in vs boneless chicken thighs
When it comes to cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer oven, the cooking time will depend on whether you are using bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.
Bone-in chicken thighs will generally take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs. This is because the bone can act as a barrier to heat, preventing the meat from cooking as quickly as it would if it were boneless. As such, it is recommended to cook bone-in chicken thighs for up to 10 minutes longer than boneless thighs. Additionally, bone-in chicken thighs may require flipping halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
For boneless chicken thighs, it typically takes around 18 to 20 minutes to cook them in an air fryer at 380°F (193°C). The chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). However, some sources suggest cooking the chicken to 175°F or even 185°F for fall-apart tender meat.
For bone-in chicken thighs, the cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. On average, bone-in chicken thighs will take about 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 380°F to 400°F. It is recommended to cook the chicken until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
It is important to note that the cooking times mentioned above are just estimates, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer model, the thickness of the chicken thighs, and personal preferences for doneness. To ensure that your chicken is cooked properly, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat.
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How to get crispy skin
To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, it's important to choose bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, as they turn out juicy when cooked. You can season the chicken with lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried herbs, and olive oil.
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, ensure that it is dry. You can pat it down with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Some recipes recommend pre-heating the air fryer, while others suggest placing the chicken in the air fryer straight away. If you choose to pre-heat, set the temperature to 375°F/190°C or 380°F for 5 minutes. You can also spray the air fryer with cooking spray or avocado oil spray.
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, and cook for 12 minutes. Then, flip the chicken thighs over and cook skin-side up for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature is 165°F. If you want the chicken skin to be extra crispy, cook in 4-minute increments until you reach your desired level of crispness.
You can also make crispy chicken skin chips in the air fryer. To do this, place the chicken skins in a flat layer in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place a sheet of parchment paper and a flat ceramic plate on top of the chicken skins to keep them flat. Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes or until the skin is crispy.
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How to reheat chicken thighs
Reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer is a simple and effective method that will yield juicy, crispy chicken in just a few minutes.
First, bring the chicken to room temperature by setting it out for at least 30 minutes. This will help the meat stay moist and ensure even heating. If your chicken is frozen, it must be thawed completely before reheating. To do this, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 380°F/180°C for 5 minutes. Spritz the chicken skin with a small amount of oil to help it crisp up. You can also add BBQ sauce or a flavorful marinade to keep the chicken moist.
Now, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have space between each piece so that hot air can circulate. Reheat for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin is crispy. For best results, flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time.
Your chicken thighs are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken without drying it out.
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What to serve with chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to accompany your air fryer chicken thighs:
Salads
A fresh and nutritious option, salads can be a great way to balance out your meal. You can keep it simple with a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Or, you can add some fruit to the mix, like peaches or strawberries, for a sweet and savory combination. If you're feeling indulgent, try a spinach salad with feta cheese and a tangy dressing. For a heartier salad, quinoa or pasta salads are also a good choice.
Vegetables
Grilled or roasted vegetables are always a delicious option to pair with chicken thighs. Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, asparagus, and broccoli are all great choices. If you're looking for something a little more unique, try air fryer Brussels sprouts or blistered edamame. And don't forget the classic comfort food option of mashed potatoes or crispy baked potatoes!
Starches
Chicken thighs go well with a variety of starches. Rice, especially jeera rice or schmaltzy rice, is a popular choice. You can also try quinoa, polenta, or even cheesy tater tots! If you're feeling fancy, make some cauliflower Mac and cheese.
Other Sides
Chicken thighs can be served with a variety of other sides, depending on your preference. Foil packet grilled vegetables are a convenient option that allows you to cook your veggies without any mess. You can also try corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, with butter and herbs. Coleslaw is another classic side dish that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the chicken.
Sauces and Seasonings
To elevate your chicken thighs, consider adding some sauces or seasonings. A curry-esque "gravy" can be drizzled over the chicken and rice. You can also make a garlic-onion aioli for an extra punch of flavor. Don't forget to season your chicken thighs generously with spices like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs.
With these ideas, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal centered around air fryer chicken thighs!
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How to cook chicken thighs from frozen
Chicken thighs are a great option for a quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal. They are packed with protein and other nutrients, and their darker meat is naturally more flavorful and juicy. The air fryer is a perfect way to cook juicy chicken thighs with an extra crispy skin, and it's super convenient as it uses little to no oil.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
If your frozen chicken thighs are stuck together, run them under some water to separate them. If they were frozen individually, you can skip this step and go straight to the air fryer. Place the frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs
Spray the top of the chicken thighs with cooking oil. You can use avocado oil or any other high-heat oil. Then, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice. You can use anything from poultry seasoning to cajun seasoning, or even a homemade blend of onion granules, garlic granules, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and oregano.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Thighs
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes. Then, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes. After that, flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs, so it's important to keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed. If you want your chicken thighs extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 4 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F, they are ready to be served. You can enjoy them with a variety of sides, such as parmesan orzo, sauteed cabbage, creamy pasta salad, roasted butternut squash, shredded brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 24 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer oven.
Preheat your air fryer oven to 380°F for 5 minutes.
You can cook them for the full recipe time of 24 minutes and then check the temperature with a thermometer. If the temperature is still under 165°F, add 2-3 minutes.
Refrigerate the leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
You can reheat the leftover chicken thighs in the air fryer oven, a traditional oven, or a microwave.
