Tillie Doyle
Chicken thighs are a versatile, flavorful, and juicy option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With an air fryer, you can have a healthy, delicious, and super crispy meal on the table in less than 25 minutes. The air fryer is perfect for cooking chicken thighs as it requires little to no oil, resulting in a dish that is lower in fat and calories without compromising on taste. So, how long do small chicken thighs take to cook in an air fryer?
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for small chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on whether the chicken thighs are boneless or bone-in, and whether they are skinless or skin-on.
For boneless and skinless chicken thighs, the cooking temperature should be set at 400°F and the thighs should be cooked for 12 minutes on each side, for a total of 24 minutes. The chicken thighs are done when they are golden and crispy and cooked through in the center.
For bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, the cooking temperature can vary between 375°F to 400°F. At 400°F, the thighs should be cooked for 12 minutes on each side, for a total of 24 minutes. At 375°F, the thighs should be cooked for 18-20 minutes in total. The chicken thighs are done when they are golden and crispy and cooked through in the center.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer. To ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked properly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
Additionally, for bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, it is suggested to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and cut away any excess skin before placing them in the air fryer basket, skin side down. This helps to render the fat and prevent the skin from browning too much. After the initial cooking time, the thighs can be flipped over and cooked until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Chicken preparation
Ingredients
To make air fryer chicken thighs, you will need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray, and spices. For the spices, you can use a combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried herbs such as herbs de Provence. You can also add a pinch of baking powder to the skin to make it extra crispy. Lemon juice can be used to season the chicken, and you can serve the dish with a salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
Pre-Cooking Preparation
Before cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and cut away any excess skin. If you want to marinate the chicken, coat the thighs in the oil and spice mixture and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days before cooking. You can also prepare the chicken thighs ahead of time by seasoning them, covering them, and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days before cooking.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer with cooking spray, if desired. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and toss them with the spice mixture until they are well coated. Put the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
Cooking Time
Cook the chicken thighs for 12 minutes at 400°F, then flip them over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes at the same temperature. The chicken thighs are done when the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. If you prefer your chicken thighs extra crispy, cook them in 3-4 minute increments until the desired crispness is achieved.
Serving and Storage
Let the chicken thighs cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with a salad or roasted vegetables on the side. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy again.
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Spices and seasoning
Preparing the Chicken Thighs:
Before applying any spices or seasonings, it is essential to prepare the chicken thighs properly. Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step helps remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the skin becomes crispy during the cooking process. You can also trim away any excess skin or fat if desired.
Basic Seasonings:
A simple yet effective combination of seasonings for chicken thighs includes salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These basic seasonings provide a savoury flavour profile that pairs well with the natural taste of chicken. You can adjust the quantities of each seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Enhancing the Flavour:
To further enhance the flavour of your chicken thighs, consider incorporating additional spices and herbs. Dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, basil, or oregano can add a delightful aromatic touch to the dish. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can also be added for a subtle kick of heat. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect blend.
Special Techniques:
For an extra crispy skin, consider using baking powder. Apply a small amount of baking powder directly onto the skin of the chicken thighs, rubbing it in until it is no longer visible. This technique helps to draw out moisture, resulting in a crispier texture. Additionally, brushing the skin with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray before applying the seasonings can also enhance the crispiness and flavour of the dish.
Pre-made Spice Mixes:
If you prefer a more convenient option, you can opt for pre-made spice mixes readily available in stores. These spice mixes offer a variety of flavours, such as Brazilian spice mix, taco blend, lemon pepper, garlic herb, or Santa Maria blend. They provide an easy way to add complex flavours to your chicken thighs without the need for mixing multiple spices.
Personalisation:
Feel free to personalise your spice blend by adding or removing ingredients based on your taste preferences. For instance, if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavour, increase the amount of garlic powder or add some minced garlic to the spice blend. You can also experiment with different types of paprika, such as sweet or smoked, to find the variety that suits your palate.
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Crispy skin
To achieve crispy skin on your chicken thighs, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin gets crispy as it cooks. The skin also protects the meat during cooking, locking in moisture.
Before cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up in the air fryer. You can also cut away any excess skin. If you desire, you can rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, or spray the air fryer with cooking spray, to help the seasonings stick.
When seasoning the chicken, you can use a variety of spices and herbs, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano. You can also add a dash of baking powder to the chicken thighs, which will help break down the bonds during cooking, resulting in extra crispy skin. After seasoning, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. This will allow the skin to start rendering the fat without browning too much.
Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, you should cook the chicken thighs at a temperature between 375°F and 400°F for 12 minutes on the first side. Then, flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up and cook for an additional 7 to 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. If you desire even crispier skin, you can increase the cooking time in 3 to 4-minute increments until your desired level of crispness is achieved.
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Serving suggestions
Now that you've cooked your chicken thighs in the air fryer, it's time to serve them! Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more delicious and enjoyable:
- Salad: Chicken thighs go well with a big green salad on the side. You can add a variety of vegetables to your salad, such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans.
- Quinoa Salad: If you're looking for a heartier option, pair your chicken thighs with a quinoa salad. It's a great way to add some extra protein and nutrients to your meal.
- Soup: Chicken thighs can also be served with a warm and comforting bowl of soup. Try something like tomato soup, which will complement the flavour of the chicken.
- Pasta: For a more substantial meal, serve your chicken thighs with a side of pasta. You can keep it simple with a classic dish like Pasta al Limone or Lemon Rice, or experiment with different sauces and ingredients.
- Potatoes: Chicken and potatoes are a classic combination. You can bake, mash, or fry potatoes to accompany your chicken thighs.
- Vegetables: There are several vegetables that pair well with chicken thighs. Try oven-roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or roasted butternut squash.
- Rice: Consider serving your chicken thighs with a side of rice, such as Lemon Rice. It's a great option if you're looking for something light and refreshing.
- Spicy Kick: If you like your food with a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder to your chicken thighs. This will give them a spicy kick that complements the juiciness of the meat.
- Garnishes: Don't forget to add some fresh herbs as a garnish! Sprinkle your chicken thighs with parsley, cilantro, or thyme to enhance their flavour and presentation.
Remember, the beauty of air-fried chicken thighs is their versatility. You can switch up the spices and sides to create different flavours and make it a well-balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Small chicken thighs should be cooked in an air fryer for 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
The air fryer should be preheated to 375°F/190°C to 400°F.
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This can be checked with a meat thermometer.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and brush the skin with olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs.
Yes, frozen chicken thighs can be cooked in an air fryer. Increase the cooking time by 3-4 minutes for defrosted chicken thighs.
