Cody Casey
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook chicken thighs, yielding crispy skin and juicy meat in less than half the time it would take in an oven. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces, whether they have bones, and the model of the air fryer. Chicken thighs are forgiving and will remain juicy even if cooked slightly longer. The best way to check if they are done is to use a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F at the thickest part, without touching the bone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Bone-in cook time | 16-22 minutes |
| Boneless cook time | 11-18 minutes |
| Skin-on | Crispier |
| Skin-off | Less calories |
| Spices | Paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, dried oregano |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Meat thermometer temperature | 165°F |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times 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 makes it harder to dry out or overcook.
When cooking bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, it's important to note that the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer. On average, it takes around 12 minutes on each side, for a total of 24 minutes, for the chicken to be cooked through with golden, crispy skin.
Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken for 12 minutes on the first side, then flipping it over and cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This can be adjusted based on your desired level of crispiness. You can increase the cooking time in 3-4 minute increments until the desired level of crispness is achieved.
It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh to be considered cooked.
Additionally, you can further enhance the flavour and crispiness of the chicken thighs by using certain ingredients and techniques. For instance, seasoning the chicken with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs can add flavour. Using a small amount of baking powder on the skin can also help achieve an ultra-crispy texture.
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Cooking times for boneless chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a quick and easy meal, especially when cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer, but generally, boneless chicken thighs will take less time to cook than bone-in thighs.
When cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, the cooking time can range from 10 to 24 minutes. Some sources suggest cooking the chicken for 11 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This can be checked with a meat thermometer.
For best results, it is recommended to pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil before seasoning. A variety of seasonings can be used, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. You can also experiment with different spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
It is worth noting that cooking boneless chicken thighs at a higher temperature, such as 400°F, can result in juicier chicken as the higher temperature seals in the moisture quickly. Additionally, marinating or brining the chicken before cooking can help retain moisture and prevent drying out.
By following these cooking times and tips, you can ensure that your boneless chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer at 400°F will turn out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
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How to get crispy skin
To get crispy chicken skin in an air fryer, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone helps the chicken stay extra juicy, and the skin gets crispy as it cooks.
First, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and then rub them with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken. For the seasoning, combine paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the seasonings over the chicken thighs.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side down, in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other; if they are, cook the chicken in batches.
Now, you can air fry the chicken thighs for 12 minutes, flip them, and cook for an additional 7 to 12 minutes. The total cooking time at 400°F should be between 16 and 22 minutes. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the chicken should be cooked to 165°F measured at the thickest part, without touching the bone.
For an extra crispy skin, you can increase the cooking time by a minute or two. However, be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can still be juicy even if cooked slightly past 165°F.
If you're looking for a crispy skin on salmon, the air fryer is also a great option. Simply place the salmon skin-side down in the air fryer, with no need to flip it. You can also coat the salmon with a sauce like pesto, mustard, Thai peanut, or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper before cooking.
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What to serve with chicken thighs
Juicy air-fried chicken thighs are a delicious and healthy meal packed with protein and other nutrients. They are also very versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken thighs:
Salads
A salad is a refreshing and healthy option to serve with chicken thighs. You can keep it simple with a mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Or, for something more substantial, add in some quinoa, feta cheese, or avocado. If you want a sweet and savory option, try a strawberry pecan spinach salad. You can also try a tomato peach salad, which combines juicy tomatoes and ripe peaches with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing.
Vegetables
There are many vegetables that pair well with chicken thighs. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or asparagus are a great option. Roasted butternut squash, shredded or air-fried Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans also make tasty side dishes. For a healthier alternative to traditional frying, try air-fried Brussels sprouts, which are caramelized and tossed in a flavorful seasoning. If you're looking for something crispy, baked potatoes or potato wedges are always a crowd-pleaser.
Starches
Chicken thighs also go well with starches like rice or quinoa. You can make schmaltzy rice, using any rendered fat from the chicken, or try a jeera rice dish with green onions, black olives, feta, and naan. If you're looking for something more indulgent, mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes are a good option.
Other Sides
Some other side dishes that would complement chicken thighs include corn on the cob, coleslaw, or tomato soup. If you're looking for something more substantial, you could try chicken tinga tacos or a simple pasta dish.
Cooking Instructions
When cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer at 400°F, the cooking time will depend on whether the thighs are boneless or bone-in. For boneless chicken thighs, cook for a total of 11-15 minutes, without the need to flip them. For bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 7-12 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
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How to prepare the chicken thighs
Preparing chicken thighs for the air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, you should pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Then, rub them with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken.
Next, you can season the chicken thighs. A common seasoning mix includes a combination of paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add lemon juice to the chicken thighs for extra flavor. You can switch up the spices to change the flavor to your liking. For example, you could use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or sweet paprika. You could also add in some dried herbs, like herbs de Provence.
Once you have seasoned the chicken thighs, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. This will help the skin render the fat without browning it too much. It is important to ensure that the chicken thighs are not touching, and if your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook them in batches.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken thighs that are boneless and skinless should be cooked for 11-15 minutes at 400°F.
Chicken thighs that are bone-in and skin-on should be cooked for 12 minutes on the first side and 7-12 minutes on the second side at 400°F.
You should cook chicken thighs at 400°F in an air fryer.
You can use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken thighs are done. The internal temperature should be 165°F at the thickest part, not touching the bone.
Some side dishes that go well with air fryer chicken thighs include roasted vegetables, salads, mashed potatoes, and rice.
