Emilie Meyer
Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy meat with a crispy skin. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer, but typically it takes around 20-30 minutes. You can also use boneless chicken thighs, which will reduce the cooking time. To get the perfect crispy skin, there are a few tricks you can try, such as using baking powder or allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380F-400F |
| Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Skin | Crispy |
| Meat | Juicy |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano |
| Cooking spray | Avocado oil |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 165F |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer chicken thighs with ultra-crispy skin
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Avocado oil cooking spray
- Baking powder
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the paprika, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs very dry on both sides, then add to the bowl. Drizzle with oil, then toss to coat in the spice mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching; if they are, cook the chicken in batches.
- Air fry the chicken thighs for 12 minutes.
- Flip each chicken thigh so the skin side is up. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Air fry again for 12-14 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.
- If you want your chicken thighs even crispier, cook for 3-minute intervals until the desired crispness is achieved.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (but not touching the bone). When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it's done.
- Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- If you want to prepare the chicken ahead of time, season the raw chicken and cover it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Don't leave it for longer than 1-2 days.
- If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Unfortunately, the skin won't stay crispy once refrigerated.
- To reheat, place the cold chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer and heat at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the meat is warmed through.
- If you're using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time.
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How to get juicy meat
Juicy chicken thighs with a crispy skin are a delicious and healthy meal, packed with protein and other nutrients. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect, quick and easy weeknight meal.
To get juicy meat, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. The best way to check this is to use a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. If you do not have a meat thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a knife and check that the juices run clear.
To ensure your chicken thighs remain juicy, do not over-crowd the air fryer basket, and ensure there is enough room for air to flow freely. It is also important not to overcook the chicken, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the temperature and the time.
For extra juicy meat, some recipes recommend dry brining the chicken with baking powder and seasoning before cooking. This helps to ensure the meat is juicy, while the skin is crispy.
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How long to cook in an oven vs air fryer
Air fryers are a convenient option for cooking chicken thighs, yielding crispy skin and juicy meat in under 30 minutes. While oven cooking takes longer, it can be a better option when cooking for a larger group, as air fryers typically cook one dish at a time.
Air Fryer
To cook chicken thighs in an air fryer, first season the chicken with spices and lemon juice. Then, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin side down, and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy skin, cook in 4-minute increments until the desired crispness is achieved.
Oven
When cooking chicken thighs in an oven, the process will be different. Ovens use static air to cook food, which is better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that use liquid batters. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the specific recipe being followed, but as a general rule, oven cooking takes about 20% longer than air frying. Additionally, the recommended baking temperature should be reduced by 25°F (3.8°C) when converting an oven recipe to an air fryer. For example, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) in an oven would be equivalent to 350°F (176°C) in an air fryer.
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How to reheat chicken thighs in an air fryer
Reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them hot and crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, take your chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will help ensure that your chicken reheats evenly. If your chicken thighs are skin-on, you may want to lightly brush them with oil before air frying, as this will help to crisp up the skin.
Next, preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (some sources recommend 380°F). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other and that there is space between each piece. You may need to reheat the chicken in batches if your air fryer is small.
Now, it's time to reheat your chicken thighs! The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. Reheat the chicken thighs for 3 to 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the skin is crispy. For larger pieces, you may need to reheat for up to 8 to 10 minutes, while smaller pieces will take less time. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
If you are adding sauce to your chicken thighs, brush it on 1-2 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Check the doneness of your chicken thighs with a meat thermometer - they are ready to serve when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
And that's it! You can now enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy chicken thighs.
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What to serve with air fryer chicken thighs
Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make, and they pair well with a variety of sides. The cooking time for air fryer chicken thighs is generally around 20 to 30 minutes, making them a convenient weeknight staple for many.
When it comes to serving these juicy, crispy chicken thighs, there are several side dish options to choose from. A simple side salad is a popular choice, as it can be prepared quickly and adds a fresh element to the meal. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables like butternut squash, shredded or crispy Brussels sprouts, roasted green beans, or honey-roasted carrots.
For a heartier option, mashed potatoes or crispy smashed potatoes are a perfect comfort food pairing. If you're looking for something more creative, try serving them with quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta.
Some other side dish ideas include cauliflower mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, broccoli salad, mushroom rice, or homemade mac and cheese. These sides complement the chicken thighs, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
With their crispy skin and juicy meat, air fryer chicken thighs are a versatile and tasty main course that can be served with a variety of sides to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20-30 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer.
You should cook chicken thighs at 380-400°F (180°C) in an air fryer.
You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. Alternatively, pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a knife to see if the juices run clear.
This depends on the size of your air fryer. You should ensure that there is enough room around the chicken thighs for air to flow freely. A 5-quart air fryer can fit four large chicken thighs, while a 6-quart air fryer can fit four bone-in chicken thighs.
