Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Timing For Perfect Results

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 have bones, and the model of the air fryer. Bone-in chicken thighs typically take 16 to 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 380-400°F, while boneless chicken thighs take around 11-15 minutes at 400°F. It's important to note that the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer, as the target internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

How to get crispy skin

Ingredients

You will need:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil or another neutral oil such as avocado or canola oil
• Salt
• Dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or herbs de province
• Baking powder
• Other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper

Method

• Dry brine the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs meat-side up in a mixing bowl or tray and sprinkle salt generously onto the meat. Leave to rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the salt to absorb and season the meat.
• Season the chicken: Combine your chosen seasonings in a small bowl and add to the chicken, along with a tablespoon of oil. Mix well.
• Prepare the skin: If your chicken has skin, flip each piece so that the skin side is facing up. Sprinkle a pinch of baking powder onto the skin of each chicken thigh and rub it in until it is no longer visible. The baking powder will help to break down the bonds in the skin, making it extra crispy.
• Air fry the chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, flip each chicken thigh so the skin is facing up, and pat the skin dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Air fry for a further 12-14 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.

Tips

• Depending on your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time. If the chicken skin is not as crispy as you would like, increase the cooking time in 3-minute intervals until the desired crispness is achieved.
• If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time. Cook for 6 minutes on the first side and 8-10 minutes on the second side.
• For extra crispy skin, pre-heat your air fryer and spray with cooking spray before adding the chicken.
• Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior.
• If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
• For a complete meal, serve with sides such as cauliflower Mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, or a broccoli salad.

How long to cook boneless chicken thighs

The cooking time for boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer can vary depending on the specific model and desired level of crispiness. However, on average, you can expect the process to take between 15 to 25 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375°F to 400°F. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Take 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. You can also trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs at this stage to promote a leaner and healthier outcome.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings. A simple and popular blend includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also add other spices like dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra flavour. Once your seasoning blend is ready, generously coat both sides of the chicken thighs, using your fingers to gently pat and rub the mixture onto the meat.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Thighs

Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This arrangement ensures even cooking and a consistent crispy texture. Depending on your air fryer model, you might need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.

For boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time will typically range from 10 to 15 minutes at 380°F. It is recommended to flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Use kitchen tongs to flip them carefully.

Step 5: Check Doneness and Serve

The chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken. Once they are cooked to the right temperature, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Crispy and Juicy Chicken Thighs:

• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
• Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process for even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, extend the cooking time by a minute or two, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
• Pair your chicken thighs with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or salads.

How to make chicken thighs in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make chicken thighs in an air fryer:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano or dried herbs
• Lemon (optional)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and rubbing them with olive oil.

Next, mix together your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken pieces and rub them in, making sure to get some seasoning under the skin for maximum flavour.

Now, place your chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. It's important that the chicken pieces are not touching, so you may need to cook them in batches.

Cook the chicken thighs for 12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for a further 10–15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, whether they have a bone, and the model of your air fryer. The best way to tell if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer – chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Once your chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to serve chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve chicken thighs to make your meal even more enjoyable:

Choose Your Cooking Method

First things first, decide on your cooking method. Chicken thighs can be cooked in an air fryer, oven-baked, pan-fried, grilled, or even slow-cooked in a crockpot. Each method will give your chicken thighs a slightly different flavour and texture, so choose the one that best suits your preferences.

Pick Your Sides

Sides can make or break a meal, so choose wisely! Chicken thighs go well with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, beets, or green beans are a healthy and tasty option. You can also try something different like sautéed cabbage, shaved Brussels sprouts salad, or spiralized zucchini and tomatoes.
• Salads: A fresh salad can complement the richness of chicken thighs. Try a cucumber quinoa salad, a minty-fresh zucchini salad with marinated feta, or a simple green salad with a variety of veggies.
• Starches: For a heartier meal, serve your chicken thighs with starches like roasted sweet potato stacks, baked garlic herb potato wedges, crispy smashed potatoes with horseradish and sea salt, or Southern mashed potatoes.
• Grains: Chicken thighs also go well with grains such as quinoa Brussels sprout gratin, cold lemon zoodles, or wild rice with beans.
• Cheesy Dishes: Who doesn't love a gooey, cheesy side dish? Try Parmesan broccoli tots, cheesy cauliflower rice, or broccoli and cauliflower gratin.

Don't Forget the Sauce

A good sauce can take your chicken thigh dish to the next level. Try a tangy soy-lime marinade, a sweet and sticky glaze made with honey or brown sugar, or a bright and spicy cherry salsa. You can also serve your chicken thighs with a variety of dips and sauces on the side, such as hummus or a creamy avocado dip.

Presentation is Key

Finally, don't forget to plate your chicken thighs beautifully. Arrange them on a bed of greens or grains, garnish with fresh herbs, and add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a pop of colour and flavour. Your chicken thighs will not only taste amazing but will also look restaurant-worthy!

How to store chicken thighs

Storing chicken thighs correctly is important to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store chicken thighs safely:

Storing Raw Chicken Thighs

• Place raw chicken thighs in an airtight container to prevent contamination of other foods.
• Store raw chicken in the back of the fridge on the lowest shelf, as the front is usually the warmest due to air escaping every time the door is opened.
• Use or freeze raw chicken within 48 hours of purchase, unless otherwise specified on the package.
• Do not leave raw chicken at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds after handling raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
• For leftover raw chicken, place it in airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
• Do not leave raw chicken uncovered in the fridge, as this can lead to leakage and contamination.
• Always use raw chicken within one to two days of opening the package.
• Store raw chicken on the bottom shelf of the fridge until ready to use. After two days, consider freezing it.
• Check for signs of spoilage: dull or grey colour, and a bad odour (e.g. like eggs or sulphur).

Storing Cooked Chicken Thighs

Leftover cooked chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer:

• Refrigerate: Place the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freeze: Put the cooked and cooled chicken thighs in a ziplock bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to four months.

Defrosting and Reheating Chicken Thighs

• To defrost frozen chicken, use the cold water method, the microwave method, or the refrigerator method. The refrigerator method is the best option for even thawing.
• Reheat frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer, oven, or microwave after thawing them overnight.
• Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Frequently asked questions