Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken thighs, and they can be made crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The best part? They're ready in under 25 minutes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a healthier option that's gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs, but generally, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will cook faster than those with bone and skin. You can season the chicken with a variety of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and you don't need to add any oil. Air-fried chicken thighs are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a casual dinner with friends and family.

How to get the right internal temperature

Achieving the right internal temperature is crucial to ensure your boneless skinless chicken thighs are cooked perfectly. The ideal internal temperature for chicken thighs is 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat. This temperature ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is safe to consume.

To accurately measure the internal temperature, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, being careful not to touch the bone if present. For boneless skinless chicken thighs, aim for a temperature of 165°F before removing them from the air fryer.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer model. As a guide, cook the chicken thighs for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. However, always rely on the internal temperature reading rather than solely on the cooking time.

To avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken, monitor the temperature closely. Dry chicken is often a result of cooking at too high a temperature or for too long. By using a meat thermometer and keeping a close eye on the temperature, you can prevent overcooking and ensure juicy, tender chicken thighs.

Additionally, marinating or brining the chicken thighs before cooking can help retain moisture and enhance flavor. This step is especially beneficial if you are concerned about the chicken drying out during the cooking process.

How to get the chicken crispy

To get the chicken crispy, you can use a variety of methods. Firstly, ensure that you pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking. This will help to remove any excess moisture. Next, create a seasoning mixture by mixing spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper with a small amount of oil to form a paste. You can also add other spices like white pepper, thyme, or cumin. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with this mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.

Another way to ensure crispiness is to bread the chicken. You can do this by using seasoned dried breadcrumbs and drizzling oil over the chicken, which will help the breadcrumbs stick together and create a crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use the traditional egg and flour method for breading. If you prefer your chicken unbreaded, you can still use a small amount of oil to enhance the flavor and crispiness.

Additionally, marinating or brining the chicken thighs before cooking can help retain moisture and prevent dryness. You can also try soaking the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce or regular milk with a little vinegar. If you have time, let the chicken soak overnight for maximum tenderness.

Finally, it's important to note that air frying chicken yields the best results when using skinless chicken thighs. While bone-in, skin-on chicken can be used, it requires a longer cooking time and may not get as crispy.

How to prepare the chicken before cooking

Preparing your chicken before cooking is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your chicken thighs for the air fryer:

Defrosting and Trimming:

Firstly, ensure your chicken is thawed. You can defrost frozen chicken thighs by refrigerating them for 24 hours or using the defrost setting on your microwave. For a quicker method, seal the thighs in a leak-proof bag, submerging them in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes until they are completely defrosted.

Once your chicken is thawed, trim any excess fat from the thighs. This step is important, especially if you are using chicken with the skin on, as excess fat can affect the final texture and taste of your cooked chicken.

Marinating:

Marinating your chicken thighs before cooking can help retain moisture and enhance flavor. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, herbs, and spices, or get creative with ingredients like brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, or chili powder. Place your chicken thighs in a bowl, coat them evenly with the marinade, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator.

Drying and Seasoning:

Before cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step helps ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and develops a crispy texture in the air fryer.

After patting the chicken dry, it's time to season. You can use a variety of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl, and then coat the chicken thighs evenly with the mixture, ensuring each piece is well-covered.

Temperature Check:

Finally, check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs with a meat thermometer before cooking. The thickest part of the meat should read 165°F to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

Now your chicken is prepared and ready for the air fryer!

How to store and reheat the chicken

Storing and reheating chicken is a delicate process, as you want to ensure the meat stays moist while the outside remains crispy. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer:

Storing Chicken:

Before storing your cooked chicken thighs, it is important to let them cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the chicken soggy and greasy, and allows for more even cooling. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken thighs in a sealed container or freezer bag.

Reheating Chicken in an Air Fryer:

When you are ready to enjoy your chicken thighs again, take them out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Avoid reheating cold chicken straight from the fridge, as it can affect the cooking process and the crispiness of the skin. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Optionally, you can spray or brush the chicken with a small amount of oil to enhance crispiness.

Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This is important to allow proper air circulation and even cooking. Reheat the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For smaller pieces, such as chicken tenders, 5 to 7 minutes should be sufficient. Larger pieces may require up to 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

Alternative Reheating Methods:

While an air fryer is an excellent option for reheating chicken, you can also use other methods such as an oven or a microwave. The oven method can take longer, around 20 to 30 minutes, but it can be effective for maintaining moist meat and a crispy coating. Microwaving chicken is generally not recommended as it can make the exterior soft and soggy, and the chicken may not heat evenly.

What to serve with the chicken

Now that you've cooked your juicy and tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with them. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so you can easily adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started:

Salads and Vegetables

If you're looking for something light and healthy, serve your chicken with a big salad. Try a kale salad with tahini dressing, a couscous and sweet potato salad, or an orzo pesto salad. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, feta harissa roasted carrots, or skillet roasted potatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, air fryer bok choy and skillet-fried cabbage are great options that don't require oven use!

Carbohydrates

For a heartier meal, carbohydrates like mashed potatoes, pasta, quinoa, couscous, or rice are excellent choices. If you're in the mood for something more exotic, try celeriac sweet potato mash.

Sandwiches and Wraps

For a casual lunch or dinner, serve your chicken in sandwiches or wraps. You can add some lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise to create a classic chicken sandwich.

Sides

Some sides that go well with the chicken include fresh lemon, sprinkled parsley, and your favorite roasted vegetables or sweet potatoes.

Dietary Requirements

The great news is that this dish can be adapted to suit various dietary requirements. It is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free. If you're following a keto or low-carb diet, this recipe is perfect as it is, with the chicken being crispy and juicy without the need for oil.

So, there you have it! Endless possibilities to accompany your air-fried boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions