Cody Casey
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. Air fryers use hot air that circulates rapidly, resulting in fast evaporation, so your food cooks quickly without drying out. You can have perfectly cooked chicken thighs in under 30 minutes, and they go well with a variety of side dishes.
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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 chicken meat and it is harder to dry out or overcook.
To cook bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. You can then spray the basket with cooking spray, if desired. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid and add your desired seasonings. You can use salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry the chicken thighs for 16 to 22 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. The chicken thighs are done when an internal meat thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
If you want extra crispy skin, you can use a secret ingredient: baking powder. Simply rub a touch of baking powder onto the skin before cooking. This increases the pH level of the chicken skin, allowing the bonds in the skin to break out more easily and leading to a crispier skin when cooked.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer.
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Cooking time for boneless chicken thighs
The cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the specific appliance being used. On average, it takes around 12 to 20 minutes to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer.
For a basic recipe, start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Prepare a seasoning mix of your choice, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and other spices. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap to ensure even cooking.
Cook the chicken thighs for around 12 to 15 minutes at the chosen temperature. Some recipes suggest flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process, while others recommend cooking for the full duration without flipping.
The chicken thighs are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness accurately.
Boneless chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer are known for their juicy texture and crispy exterior. They are a convenient and tasty option for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
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How to get crispy skin
To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, it's important to start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone adds flavour and makes the meat juicier, while the skin protects the meat and locks in moisture.
Before cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure a crispy exterior. You can also trim away any excess skin with a knife. Next, rub the chicken thighs with a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, and season generously with salt and your choice of spices. Spices commonly used in air-fried chicken thighs include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a dash of baking powder to the seasoning mix, which will help break down the bonds in the skin during cooking, resulting in an extra crispy texture.
Once the chicken thighs are prepared, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. This will help the skin render the fat without browning too much. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs so the skin is facing up. Air fry for an additional 10 to 14 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
If you prefer your chicken skin even crispier, you can cook it for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
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How to season chicken thighs
To season chicken thighs for the air fryer, you can use a variety of spices and herbs. A common combination includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add onion powder, oregano, dried herbs, and lemon juice to enhance the flavour. Some recipes suggest using baking powder to ensure the skin becomes ultra-crispy.
First, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and brush the skin with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray. Then, combine your chosen spices and pour the mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring both sides are coated. You can also add lemon juice to the spice mix or sprinkle it over the chicken thighs.
For a more thorough coating, place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid and shake to coat. You can also rub the seasoning into the chicken by hand to ensure it is fully covered.
Once the chicken thighs are seasoned, they can be placed in the air fryer, skin side down, and cooked according to your desired level of crispness.
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What to serve with chicken thighs
Juicy air fryer chicken thighs with a crispy skin are a delicious and healthy meal, packed with protein and other nutrients. They are also very versatile and can be served with a wide variety of sides.
If you're looking for a lighter option, a salad is a great choice. A simple green salad or a more complex spinach, tomato, and feta cheese salad are refreshing and vibrant options. You could also try a strawberry, pecan, and spinach salad for a sweet and savory dish. For a more substantial meal, serve your chicken thighs with quinoa salad, roasted butternut squash, shredded or roasted Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans.
For a heartier option, mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking for something more exotic, try serving your chicken thighs with jeera rice, black olives, feta, and naan, topped with a garlic-onion aioli. You could also make chicken tinga tacos or a curry-style gravy to go with your rice.
Other options include grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or asparagus, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or cauliflower Mac and cheese.
Whatever you choose, your chicken thighs are sure to be a hit!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 24 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, flipping them over halfway.
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking chicken thighs. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F, which should take about 3 minutes.
For bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 12 minutes on the first side and 12 minutes on the second side. For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 6 minutes on the first side and 8-10 minutes on the second side.
To make crispy chicken thighs, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and cut away any excess skin. You can also use a cooking spray or rub some oil on the chicken before cooking. Additionally, a pinch of baking powder on the skin of the chicken thighs can help make them crispy.
