Cody Casey
Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious meal option, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. This cooking method results in juicy chicken with a crispy skin, and the bone helps the meat stay tender and moist. The air fryer is also a healthier option as it requires little to no oil, and the skin protects the meat during cooking, locking in moisture. In this article, we will explore the best methods and ingredients for cooking bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer, including seasonings and cooking times, to ensure your meal is flavoursome and cooked to perfection.
How to Cook Bone-In Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 375F/190C or 380F or 400F for 5 minutes |
| Chicken Thighs | Bone-in, Skin-on |
| Pat Dry | Use paper towels |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Seasonings | Smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and chili powder |
| Cooking Time | 12 minutes, flipping halfway through |
| Internal Temperature | 165F |
| Rest Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Reheating Instructions | Place skin side up in the air fryer, reheat at 350F for 6-8 minutes |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your chicken thighs cook evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for bone-in chicken thighs:
Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and free of any crumbs or debris. This is important for food hygiene and also to prevent any unwanted flavours from transferring to your chicken. Check the vents and inside the basket to ensure they are clear.
Next, set the temperature. Different recipes suggest different temperatures, ranging from 375°F/190°C to 400°F. Check your specific recipe and set your air fryer to the correct temperature.
Then, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes. This is a general rule of thumb, and different models may vary slightly, so refer to your air fryer's instructions if you are unsure.
After preheating, you may wish to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This can help to prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleaning easier.
Once preheated, you are ready to add your chicken thighs to the basket and begin the cooking process. Bone-in chicken thighs are best cooked skin-side down first, so place them in the basket accordingly.
Remember, preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently, and it is worth taking the time to do it properly.
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Prepare the chicken
To prepare the chicken, start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it guarantees a crispy exterior and keeps the juices inside the meat. Next, rub the chicken thighs with olive oil. This helps the seasoning rub stick to the chicken.
In a small bowl, combine the seasonings. You can use a blend of paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of baking powder to the skin for extra crispiness. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken pieces and rub it in, making sure to get some seasoning under the skin for maximum flavour.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a bowl with a lid. Top with the desired seasonings and ensure they are well-coated. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the chicken before seasoning for some extra flavour and moisture.
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Air fry the chicken
Now that your chicken is well-seasoned, it's time to air-fry! Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F-400°F. You can spray some cooking spray if you like.
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down, ensuring they are not touching. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Air fry the chicken for 12 minutes, then flip it and cook for another 7-12 minutes. The chicken is done when the skin is crispy and golden, and the internal temperature is 165°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
If you like your chicken skin extra crispy, try adding a secret ingredient—a dash of baking powder! Rub it onto the skin before air-frying, and you'll get that ultra-crispy texture.
Once the chicken is cooked to your desired doneness, let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. Enjoy your air-fried chicken with your favorite sides!
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Check the temperature
Checking the temperature of your chicken is crucial to ensure it is cooked properly and safe to eat. The FDA states that chicken is considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To measure this, you should use a meat thermometer, inserting it into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone.
It is important to note that the temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests, so it is recommended to check the temperature a few minutes early to avoid overcooking. The resting period also allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, so don't skip this step!
Depending on the size of your chicken thighs, wattage of your air fryer, and whether your thighs are boneless or bone-in, the cooking time will vary. As a guide, boneless chicken thighs will take around 11-15 minutes to cook at 400°F, while bone-in thighs will take a little longer, around 12 minutes on each side at the same temperature. However, always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken, as the exact cooking time may vary.
If you are cooking skinless chicken thighs, you do not need to flip them during the cooking time. However, if you are cooking bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, it is important to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides.
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Reheat and store
Leftover bone-in chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. To freeze cooked chicken thighs, remove the meat from the bones and place it in an airtight container or Souper Cubes Trays. Consume frozen chicken within three to six months for the best quality.
When reheating chicken thighs, it is best to avoid using a microwave, as this can result in rubbery, unevenly heated meat with soggy skin. While reheating in the oven is an option, it can be time-consuming. The optimal method for reheating bone-in chicken thighs is to use an air fryer, which will result in juicy meat and crispy skin.
To reheat bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer, first, defrost the chicken if it has been frozen. Then, allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F–380°F (180°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for hot air to circulate. Spritz the chicken skin with a small amount of oil to enhance crispness. Reheat for three to five minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the meat is warmed through and the skin is crispy. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can brush on any additional sauces one to two minutes before the end of the cooking time.
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Frequently asked questions
Bone-in chicken thighs typically take 12 minutes in the air fryer, but this can vary depending on the size of the chicken and the wattage of your air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F for 5 minutes.
The best way to tell if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Ready-to-eat chicken needs to have an internal temperature of 165°F.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking. You can also add a secret ingredient like baking powder to the skin before cooking to make it extra crispy.
Yes, you can reheat bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer. Place the cold chicken thighs skin side up and reheat at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and the meat is warmed through.
