Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs: Perfect Timing

Air fryer marinated chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal option. The cooking time depends on the size of your air fryer and the number of chicken thighs you are cooking. It is recommended to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will get.

How long to marinate chicken thighs before cooking

Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy meal. It is recommended that you marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will be. However, it is not recommended to marinate chicken for longer than 12 hours, as the meat will start to break down.

To cook marinated chicken thighs in an air fryer, first preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (195ºC). Place the marinated chicken thighs on the air fryer tray or in the basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook the chicken thighs at 380º skin side down for 5 minutes, then flip and air fry at 380º for 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer—it should read 165º. Remove the cooked chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

If you are cooking chicken thighs in an oven, it is recommended that you marinate them for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. Bake the chicken thighs in the oven at 400ºF/200ºC for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

For grilled chicken thighs, marinate the chicken for at least an hour and up to 12 hours. Boneless chicken thighs cook faster, so they only need about 8 to 10 minutes total on the grill at medium-high heat (between 375 to 400 degrees).

How to arrange chicken thighs in the air fryer

To cook marinated chicken thighs in an air fryer, it is recommended to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will be.

When it's time to cook, drain the chicken well and discard the marinade. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Arrange the chicken top-side down in the basket or on a baking rack and let it come to room temperature while you preheat the air fryer to 360F/185C or 380F/195C.

Cooking times will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the chicken thighs. As a guide, cook the chicken thighs at 380ºF for 5 minutes skin-side down, then flip and air fry at the same temperature for 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer; it should read 165ºF.

If your chicken thighs are browning too quickly, you can reduce the cooking time or rearrange them in the air fryer basket.

How long to cook chicken thighs for

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy meal. It is recommended to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will get.

When it's time to cook, drain the chicken well and discard the marinade. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring the skin side is down. Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (195ºC).

Cook the chicken thighs for 5 minutes, then flip them over and air fry for another 15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165ºF. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Some air fryers may take a little longer to cook the chicken thighs thoroughly. It is always important to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly to avoid any food safety issues.

How to check if chicken thighs are cooked

It is recommended to marinate chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will get. When it's time to cook, drain the chicken well and discard the marinade. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (195ºC).

Chicken thighs are usually cooked in an air fryer in 20 minutes. However, this depends on the size of your air fryer and the number of chicken thighs you are cooking. You can cook them in batches if you have a smaller air fryer.

To check if your chicken thighs are cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The temperature should read 165-170°F (74-77°C). Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bones. You can also stick a fork into the chicken and if it comes out with a light shake, the thigh is done.

How long to rest chicken thighs for after cooking

To cook marinated chicken thighs in an air fryer, it is recommended to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to permeate the meat. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will get. Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (195ºC). Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cook the chicken thighs at 380º for 5 minutes, then flip and air fry at the same temperature for 15 minutes. The internal temperature should read 165º. Remove the cooked chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Chicken thighs should be left to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. This will help the meat retain as much moisture as possible so the protein doesn't dry out when you slice it.

Frequently asked questions