Tillie Doyle
Air fryers are a convenient way to cook juicy and tender chicken thighs with a deliciously crispy skin. They are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, taking less than 30 minutes to cook. The best part is that you can use any type of air fryer and still get delicious results. Chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, from salads to roasted vegetables or even mac and cheese. With simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, you can create a tasty meal with minimal effort.
How to cook 2 chicken thighs in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Bone-in, skin-on |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, dried herbs, lemon juice |
| Other Ingredients | Olive oil, Baking powder, Cornstarch |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 375-400F |
| Cooking Time | 12 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy |
| Internal Temperature | 165F |
| Serving Suggestions | Salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer
The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of the air fryer. The cooking time will also depend on whether the chicken thighs are boneless or bone-in, and whether the skin is on or off.
For two bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on, it is recommended to cook them for 12 minutes on each side, at 400°F, until golden and crispy. The chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the wattage of your air fryer and the size of your chicken thighs. If you are using boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time will be reduced. For example, one source recommends cooking boneless chicken thighs for 6 minutes on the first side and 8-10 minutes on the second side.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and your desired level of crispiness. To achieve ultra-crispy skin, some recipes suggest using baking powder, which raises the pH level and helps break down the bonds during cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to pat the chicken thighs dry before cooking, as this will help ensure a crispy exterior.
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How to season chicken thighs for the air fryer
To season chicken thighs for the air fryer, you can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavour to the meat. Firstly, it is recommended to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before adding any seasoning. This helps to ensure the chicken develops a crispy exterior when cooked.
A simple seasoning mixture includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. You can also add olive oil to the chicken thighs, which will give them a lovely flavour and help the seasonings coat the meat evenly. Other oils can be used as an alternative, depending on your preference.
If you want to add a spicy kick to your chicken thighs, you can include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder in your seasoning blend. For a more herby flavour, you can use dried herbs such as herbs de Provence, or dried oregano.
For a more unique flavour, you can add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or lemon pepper seasoning to your spice mixture. If you want to ensure your chicken develops an extra crispy skin, you can add baking powder to your seasoning blend.
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How to reheat chicken thighs in an air fryer
To reheat chicken thighs in an air fryer, it is recommended that you first let the chicken come to room temperature. This will help the chicken reheat more evenly and prevent the outer crust from burning. You should then preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) and lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Next, brush the chicken thighs with a thin layer of olive or avocado oil and place them in the basket in a single layer, ensuring there is enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation.
Return the basket to the air fryer and reheat the chicken for 5-6 minutes. After this initial heating phase, carefully turn the chicken pieces over with tongs. Then, continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through. The chicken thighs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which can be checked with a digital meat thermometer.
Note that the reheating time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, the type of air fryer, and the starting temperature of the chicken. If your chicken is frozen, it is recommended to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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What to serve with air-fried chicken thighs
Juicy, tender, and crispy air-fried chicken thighs are a delicious meal, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:
Salads
A big green salad is a perfect side dish to accompany your chicken thighs. You can keep it simple with a variety of fresh greens, or get creative with additions like quinoa, broccoli, or cauliflower. If you're feeling adventurous, try a keto green salad with bacon or a Parmesan-based salad.
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables go well with the chicken. Try butternut squash, shredded or roasted Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. You could also spice things up with spicy pepper, cayenne, or ground Sichuan peppercorns.
Soups and Pasta
A warm bowl of tomato soup or a plate of pasta can complement the chicken nicely. If you're serving pasta, consider adding some tomato powder or dried parsley to tie the meal together.
Comfort Food
For a heartier meal, serve your air-fried chicken thighs with cauliflower mac and cheese. This combination is sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Reheating and Storage Tips
If you're cooking for two, you might end up with leftovers. You can store cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, although the skin may not stay crispy. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then place the chicken thighs, skin-side up, in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until warmed through and the skin is crispy again.
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How to prepare chicken thighs ahead of time for the air fryer
Preparing chicken thighs ahead of time for the air fryer is a great way to save time on busy days. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Choose Your Chicken Thighs:
Select bone-in or boneless chicken thighs based on your preference. Bone-in chicken thighs will result in juicier meat, but boneless thighs are a good option if you want a shorter cooking time.
Seasoning:
The seasoning is crucial to enhancing the flavour of your chicken thighs. Start by squeezing the juice of half a lemon over the thighs. You can also use other acidic ingredients like lime juice or vinegar. Then, move on to your choice of spices. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs like oregano or herbs de Provence works well. Alternatively, you can get creative and experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper, ground Sichuan peppercorns, or even Parmesan cheese.
Application:
Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Add the spices and lemon juice, then shake or mix well to ensure an even coating. You can also use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat. Make sure the seasoning penetrates the meat by leaving it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. This marination process will ensure the flavours really infuse into the chicken.
Storage:
Once your chicken thighs are seasoned and coated, cover the container or seal the bag. Place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. It is recommended to cook the chicken within 1-2 days for food safety and to ensure the meat absorbs the flavours without becoming too strong.
Cooking:
When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. You can spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin side down, and cook for 12 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you want your chicken thighs extra crispy, cook in 4-minute increments until you achieve your desired level of crispness.
Preparing chicken thighs ahead of time for the air fryer is a convenient way to streamline your cooking process. By following these steps, you can have delicious, flavourful, and juicy chicken thighs ready for your next meal.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 20-25 minutes to cook 2 chicken thighs in an air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F-400°F.
To make chicken thighs crispy, rub baking powder on the skin until it's no longer visible. You can also use cornstarch or olive oil.
