Air-Frying Chicken Thighs: How Long Does It Take?

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 pieces, whether they are boneless or bone-in, and the model of the air fryer. On average, chicken thighs take between 12 and 24 minutes to cook in an air fryer.

How to get the skin crispy

To get the skin of your chicken thighs crispy in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380F or 375F for 5 minutes.
• Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. You can also cut away any excess skin.
• Add oil and seasonings: Rub the chicken with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray. Then, add your choice of seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and dried herbs like herbs de Provence.
• Place in the air fryer: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side down, in the air fryer basket. This will help the skin render the fat without browning too much. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
• Cook: Cook the chicken for 12 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 7-15 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

By following these steps, you'll achieve crispy, juicy, and delicious chicken thighs with perfectly cooked skin.

How long to cook boneless chicken thighs for

How Long to Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. They are also a healthier alternative to chicken breasts, as they are packed with protein and other nutrients. Here is a guide on how long to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is important to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and rub it with oil and seasonings. This will help to ensure a crispy exterior and keep all the juices inside. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs.

Cooking Time

The cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, boneless chicken thighs will take around 11-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, ensuring that the hot air can circulate around the pieces so that the skin will crisp as it cooks.
• Always flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• For extra crispy skin, pre-heat the air fryer and spray with cooking spray or avocado oil before adding the chicken.
• For a fun Asian twist, try marinating the chicken in eel sauce, katsu sauce, or bulgogi sauce.
• If using frozen chicken thighs, increase the cooking time by 3-4 minutes.

How to get the perfect temperature

Now that you've gathered all the ingredients and are ready to cook, it's important to ensure your air fryer is set to the right temperature to get that perfect, juicy, and crispy chicken thigh.

First things first, preheat your air fryer. This is an important step as it ensures your air fryer is at the optimal temperature when you place your chicken thighs inside. Depending on the recipe you're following, you'll want to preheat your air fryer between 375°F and 400°F. Most recipes recommend a temperature of 400°F, but some suggest 380°F or 375°F for a slightly lower heat. Preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes to ensure it's nice and hot.

Once preheated, it's time to add your chicken thighs. The cooking time will vary depending on the recipe and the size of your chicken thighs, but generally, you'll want to cook them for around 12 minutes on each side, so 24 minutes in total. Some recipes suggest cooking for slightly longer, up to 27 minutes in total, or slightly less, around 22 minutes in total. It's important to remember that air fryers can vary, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone, and ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If it hasn't, pop it back in the air fryer for a few more minutes and check again.

There you have it! By following these simple steps and keeping an eye on the temperature, you'll achieve perfectly cooked, juicy, and crispy chicken thighs every time.

What to serve with chicken thighs

Grilling chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken with a crispy skin. It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken thighs:

Salads

A fresh and healthy option to accompany your chicken thighs is a salad. A simple green salad with a tangy dressing is always a good choice, or you could try something more substantial like a quinoa salad with vegetables and herbs, or a cucumber quinoa salad. For a more elegant option, an asparagus and spinach salad with bacon, blue cheese, pecans and a tangy dressing is a great choice.

Vegetables

There are plenty of vegetable side dishes that work well with chicken thighs. Grilled or roasted asparagus, for example, adds a touch of elegance to your meal. You could also try roasted Brussels sprouts, especially with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added tang. Green beans are another good option, especially when lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil. For a smoky flavour, try air fryer frozen green beans. Grilled zucchini is another tasty option, with its slightly smoky flavour and tender-crisp texture.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a great side dish to add some carbs to your meal. You could serve French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots for a fun, crispy option. For something more substantial, baked potatoes or loaded baked potatoes with bacon, chives, sour cream or melted cheese are a great choice.

Other Sides

There are plenty of other side dishes that would work well with chicken thighs. For a cheesy option, try a smoked gouda mac and cheese, or creamed spinach with a silky texture and rich, cheesy flavour. If you're looking for something more exotic, try a spinach artichoke dip, or Spanish rice with tomatoes, bell peppers and spices. Buttermilk biscuits are another tasty option to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.

So, there you have it! Plenty of ideas to elevate your air-fried chicken thighs to the next level.

How to store and reheat chicken thighs

Storage

Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. It is important to let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing it.

Reheating

To reheat chicken thighs in an air fryer, first, ensure the chicken has been brought to room temperature, which should take around 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking for even heating. You can also spritz the chicken skin with a small amount of oil to achieve a crispier skin.

Tips

• Do not reheat frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer; they must be thawed first, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheating chicken thighs in the air fryer should take less than 5 minutes, but you can add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if needed.
• To prevent drying out the chicken, bring it to room temperature before reheating and consider brushing the chicken with oil or sauce.

Frequently asked questions