Air-Fried Chicken Thighs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes. 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. Bone-in chicken thighs should be cooked for around 24 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400°F, while boneless chicken thighs will take around 18 minutes to cook. The best way to tell if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer – chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to get crispy chicken thighs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Lemon (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C for 5 minutes.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and trim any excess skin.
• In a bowl, mix the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
• Air fry for 12 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• For an extra crispy finish, cook for an additional 4 minutes.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
• For a more intense flavour, marinate the chicken before cooking.

How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer

The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of chicken thigh (boneless or bone-in, skinless or skin-on), the size of the chicken pieces, the model of the air fryer, and personal preference for crispiness.

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs

For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, most sources recommend cooking at 400°F for 12 minutes on the first side, then flipping and cooking for an additional 7-12 minutes on the second side. This results in a total cooking time of around 20-24 minutes. The chicken is done when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the cooking time is slightly shorter. Most sources suggest cooking at 400°F for a total of 11-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, some sources recommend cooking for up to 18 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. As with bone-in thighs, the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Crispy Skin

To achieve crispy skin, it is important to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before cooking. Additionally, brushing the skin with olive oil or spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray can help to ensure a crispy exterior. For extra crispiness, some people preheat their air fryer before adding the chicken.

Adjusting Cooking Time

It is worth noting that the cooking times mentioned above are estimates, and the best way to determine if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, but some people prefer to cook it to a higher temperature (around 175°-185°F) for a more tender texture, especially for dark meat like chicken thighs.

If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking and prevent the skin from crisping properly.

How to serve air fryer chicken thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

Salad

A green salad is a great option to serve with air fryer chicken thighs. You can include a variety of vegetables such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans.

Sides

There are several sides that pair well with air fryer chicken thighs, such as quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta. For a keto-friendly option, you can serve cauliflower Mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, or a broccoli salad.

Vegetables

Air fryer chicken thighs can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as air fryer frozen green beans and air fryer baked potatoes. This makes for a well-balanced and nutritious meal.

Other Proteins

If you're looking for a heartier meal, you can serve air fryer chicken thighs with other proteins such as burgers, pork tenderloin, or crispy pork chops.

Spices and Sauces

You can also experiment with different spices and sauces to add some extra flavour to your air fryer chicken thighs. For example, you can add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. Alternatively, you can try an Asian twist with eel sauce, katsu sauce, or bulgogi sauce.

How to store air fryer chicken thighs

Now that you've cooked your chicken thighs in the air fryer, it's important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store air fryer chicken thighs:

Storing Cooked Chicken Thighs:

It is important to store cooked chicken thighs properly to prevent food spoilage and ensure food safety. Here are the steps to follow:

• Allow the chicken thighs to cool: Before storing, let the cooked chicken thighs cool down to room temperature. Storing hot food can create steam, leading to sogginess and a higher risk of bacterial growth.
• Use airtight containers: Place the cooled chicken thighs in airtight containers or sealable bags. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the chicken from drying out or absorbing other odours from the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate: Store the airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken thighs can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. or up to five days.

Freezing Cooked Chicken Thighs:

If you want to store your cooked chicken thighs for an extended period, freezing is a great option:

• Allow the chicken thighs to cool: As with refrigeration, it's important to let the chicken thighs cool down to room temperature before freezing.
• Use freezer bags: Place the cooled chicken thighs in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and ensure the chicken stays fresh.
• Label and date the bags: Clearly label the freezer bags with the contents and the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the chicken has been frozen.
• Freeze: Place the labelled freezer bags in the freezer. Cooked chicken thighs can be safely stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating:

When you're ready to enjoy your stored chicken thighs again, simply follow these reheating instructions:

• Thaw frozen chicken: If you've frozen your chicken thighs, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do not refreeze thawed chicken.
• Reheat: You can reheat your stored chicken thighs in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until they are heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your air fryer chicken thighs multiple times while maintaining their freshness, flavour, and food safety.

How to make juicy chicken thighs in an air fryer

Ingredients

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

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

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. If there is any excess skin, cut it away. You can also trim the fat if you prefer. Then, brush the skins with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides. You can also try to get some seasoning under the skin for extra flavour. If using lemon, squeeze the juice over the thighs before adding the seasoning.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Thighs

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as the hot air needs to circulate around the chicken. You may need to cook the chicken in batches. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the juices run clear. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer.

Step 4: Check the Doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If using a bone-in chicken thigh, you can cook it to a higher temperature (around 175-185°F) for more tender meat.

Serving

Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat juicy. Serve with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions