Emilie Meyer
Chicken thighs are a versatile and budget-friendly meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook juicy chicken thighs with a crispy skin without having to heat up the oven. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 10-25 minutes to cook thawed chicken thighs in an air fryer.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for thawed chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on whether the chicken thighs are boneless or bone-in.
Boneless Chicken Thighs
For boneless chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Then, place the chicken thighs smooth-side down and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should be 155°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, allowing the temperature to continue rising.
Bone-in Chicken Thighs
For bone-in chicken thighs, the cooking time and temperature vary across sources. One source recommends cooking the chicken thighs at 400°F for 16 to 22 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Another source recommends cooking at 380°F for 12 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. A third source suggests cooking at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Regardless of the cooking time and temperature, the chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
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Thawing and reheating instructions
If you're cooking thawed chicken thighs in an air fryer, it's recommended to cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This will give you crispy skin and juicy meat. However, if you're short on time, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer without thawing them first. This method takes a little longer, but it's a great option if you forget to thaw your chicken in advance.
To cook frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer, start by placing the frozen thighs in the air fryer basket or tray. Cook them for around 15 minutes until they are almost thawed. Then, spray each thigh with olive oil and season as desired. Continue cooking for 12 to 15 additional minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through. The total cooking time will be around 27 to 30 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee safe and thorough cooking.
Now, let's talk about thawing instructions. There are several safe methods to defrost chicken, but it's crucial to prioritize food safety to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. Here are some recommended methods:
- Thawing in the refrigerator: Place the frozen chicken in a container on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. This is the safest method, but it requires planning ahead as it can take a while. It's important to avoid any chicken juice dripping onto other foods.
- Thawing under cool running water: If you need to defrost chicken quickly, place the package in a bowl and run cool water (70°F or lower) over it. This method is faster than using fridge temperatures, but it requires more attention and monitoring.
- Thawing in the microwave: Use the defrost setting on your microwave if you're in a hurry. However, this method can lead to warm spots or areas that start to cook during the defrosting process, so it's important to cook the chicken immediately afterward.
Remember, once chicken is thawed, it should not be refrozen as it can affect its quality. Additionally, thawed chicken should be cooked within two days to ensure food safety.
Finally, for reheating instructions, if you have cooked chicken thighs and want to reheat them in the air fryer, place them skin-side up in the air fryer and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 8 minutes. Your chicken will be warmed through with crispy skin once again!
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Seasoning and spices
You can use a simple blend of common spices and seasonings that you likely already have in your kitchen, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs. You can also experiment with different types of paprika, such as sweet or smoked, to add a smoky flavour to your chicken. If you're looking for a more crispy skin, you can try rubbing a bit of baking powder onto the skin before cooking.
Before adding your spices and seasonings, it's important to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and cut away any excess skin. You can then brush the skins with olive oil, which will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and lock in moisture. If you're using a premade spice mix, simply sprinkle it all over the thighs. Otherwise, mix your chosen spices and seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle and rub them onto the chicken.
For an extra flavour boost, try rubbing some of the seasoning under the skin of the chicken thigh. This will ensure that the meat is well-seasoned and full of flavour.
Once your chicken thighs are seasoned, place them in the preheated air fryer basket, skin side down. This will help render the fat without browning the skin too much. If you prefer your chicken thighs extra crispy, you can cook them for a few minutes longer.
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Chicken preparation
To prepare your chicken thighs for air frying, start by patting them dry with a paper towel. This will help ensure that the skin gets nice and crispy during cooking. If your chicken thighs are frozen, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or cook them straight from frozen. If they are frozen together, run them under some water to separate them, as this will help them cook more evenly.
Once your chicken thighs are thawed or separated, it's time to season them. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to flavor your chicken, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs. You can also try a chicken rub or marinade for extra flavor. Be sure to coat the chicken thighs evenly on both sides.
If you're using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, place them skin-side down in the air fryer basket. For boneless thighs, place them smooth-side down. If desired, you can spray the chicken with a little bit of cooking oil or avocado oil to help the skin get crispy.
Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F for 5 minutes. The higher temperature will help you achieve crispier skin. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer, but on average, it should take around 10 to 25 minutes to cook thawed chicken thighs in an air fryer.
For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, cook for 12 minutes on the first side, then turn them skin-side up and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. If you want your chicken thighs extra crispy, cook in 4-minute increments until the desired crispness is achieved.
For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes, as the temperature will continue to rise.
To check if your chicken thighs are done, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F. This ensures that your chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly.
Once your chicken thighs have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy and crispy air-fried chicken thighs!
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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 elevate your chicken thigh meal:
Salads
A fresh and crisp salad can be the perfect side to complement the juicy chicken thighs. You can go for a classic mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Or, add some fruit to your salad for a burst of summer flavors, such as the Tomato Peach Salad with ripe peaches and fresh herbs. For a savory and sweet combination, try the Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad, which combines fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tender spinach leaves with a tangy dressing. If you want something more substantial, a quinoa salad or a pasta salad would also go well with chicken thighs.
Vegetables
Roasted, grilled, or air-fried vegetables are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your plate. Try asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. For a more indulgent option, you can make cheesy oven-baked tater tots or creamy mashed potatoes. Foil Packet Grilled Vegetables are another great option, where you can cook a variety of mixed vegetables conveniently in a foil packet.
Starches
Chicken thighs go well with a variety of starches. You can serve them with rice, especially if it's flavored with green onions or garlic. For an Indian-inspired dish, try jeera rice with black olives, feta, and naan. If you're looking for something crispy, roasted potato wedges or wedges are always a crowd-pleaser.
Other Sides
Some other sides that would go well with chicken thighs include corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a side of bread like freshly baked milk bread rolls. If you're feeling adventurous, you can make a curry-esque "gravy" to drizzle over your rice and chicken.
Cooking Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
Now that you know what to serve with your chicken thighs, here is a simple method to cook them in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin and even cooking.
- Place thawed chicken thighs in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- For added crispiness, spray the thighs with olive oil and sprinkle on your desired seasoning.
- Cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook thawed chicken thighs in an air fryer for 12 minutes on each side, at 400°F, until golden and crispy.
Set your air fryer to 400°F to cook thawed chicken thighs.
Frozen chicken thighs can be cooked in an air fryer in 25 minutes or less.
Chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
