Marianne Martinez
Chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways, one of which is using an air fryer. Air-fried chicken thighs are a quick and easy way to get the crispiest skin and the juiciest meat. This recipe can be made with an air fryer like the Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360, which allows you to cook chicken thighs with a variety of seasonings and sides.
How to cook chicken thighs in the Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking | Soak the chicken thighs in buttermilk, salt, sugar, and black pepper for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. |
| Coating | Combine flour, cayenne, and Essence in a bag. Shake to blend. Drop chicken pieces into the flour mixture and shake to coat. |
| Resting | Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. |
| Cooking temperature | Set the air fryer to 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Cooking time | Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For skin-on chicken thighs, cook skin side up for an additional 5 minutes at 400 degrees to crisp the skin. |
| Internal temperature | The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Serving | Serve when the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking chicken in buttermilk
To soak chicken in buttermilk, first, pour the buttermilk into a large bowl and add salt, sugar, black pepper, and garlic (or 1/4 cup Essence). Stir the mixture to blend. Next, immerse the chicken thighs in the mixture and place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. After this, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and shake off any excess. Then, dredge the chicken in flour, followed by eggs, and finally, coat it in crumbs. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in each step. Finally, place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a sheet pan and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before frying.
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Coating chicken in flour
Firstly, prepare your flour mixture. In a large doubled brown paper bag or a plastic freezer bag, combine the flour, any remaining Essence or seasoning, and cayenne pepper if you like a little spice. Give the bag a good shake to ensure the ingredients are well blended.
Next, take a few pieces of chicken at a time and drop them into the flour mixture. Shake the bag thoroughly to ensure the chicken is completely coated. Remove the chicken from the bag and gently shake off any excess flour. It is important to shake off the excess to ensure an even and crisp coating. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken pieces.
Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them on a wire rack set over a sheet pan. This step is important to allow the chicken to rest and come to room temperature before frying. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 20 minutes.
Finally, if you are using the Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360, place the chicken pieces on the Crisper Tray and set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. For other air fryer models, preheat your air fryer to around 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Cooking temperature and time
The cooking temperature and time for chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on the specific model of the air fryer and the desired level of doneness. However, here are some general guidelines:
For the Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360, it is recommended to set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and the time to 40 minutes. The chicken thighs should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the chicken will be fully cooked and safe to eat.
For other air fryer models, a common temperature setting is between 360 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can range from 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs. It is important to flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer.
For chicken thighs with skin, it is recommended to increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken skin side up for an additional 5 minutes after the initial cooking time. This step helps to crisp up the skin and make it golden and crispy.
It is worth noting that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs and the specific model of the air fryer. It is always important to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs to ensure they are fully cooked before serving.
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Vegetables to serve with chicken
Chicken is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Here are some ideas for vegetables to serve with chicken thighs cooked in an Emeril Lagasse air fryer:
Roasted vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and makes for a delicious side dish. Try a mix of seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes. You can also add herbs and spices to your roasted vegetables for extra flavour. For example, rosemary and thyme pair well with chicken.
Green beans: Green beans are a healthy and tasty side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Steam, boil, or roast them, and season with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add them to a salad for a crisp and refreshing side.
Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for chicken, but you can also try roasted or fried potatoes. For a more unique flavour, try Greek lemon roasted baby potatoes, which are seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be mashed, roasted, or fried. For a healthier option, try mashed garlic cauliflower instead of potatoes. You can also roast cauliflower florets with other vegetables for a tasty sheet-pan side dish.
Asparagus: Asparagus is a quick and easy side dish that can be sautéed or roasted. Try pesto asparagus for a gluten-free and vegan option, or season with salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious side.
Salads: A fresh salad can brighten up a plate of chicken thighs. Try a simple green salad or get creative with ingredients like squash, nuts, and cheese. If you're looking for a heartier salad, pasta salad or potato salad are always popular options.
These are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to vegetables to serve with chicken. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourites!
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Storing and reheating chicken
Fried chicken can be tricky to reheat as you want to keep the meat moist while ensuring the outer layer stays crunchy. It's best to let the chicken come to room temperature before storing it in a container and transferring it to the refrigerator.
When you're ready to reheat the chicken, the air fryer is a great option as it works like a convection oven, and its hot air circulation will maintain the crunch. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. If you want to enhance the crispiness, you can lightly spray or brush the chicken with some oil. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring it isn't overcrowded, as this will prevent even cooking and crisping. Reheat for about 5-8 minutes, or up to 8-10 minutes for larger pieces. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when perfectly reheated.
You can also use a conventional oven to reheat fried chicken, but it may take longer, and there's a risk of the exterior becoming soft and soggy. Place a wire rack over a foil-lined sheet tray and put the chicken on the rack. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Another option is to use a skillet or sheet pan, but ensure it's not overcrowded to allow for even crisping.
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Frequently asked questions
The Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer 360 recommends cooking chicken thighs at 375 degrees Fahrenheit/191 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes. However, other sources suggest cooking at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, and then increasing the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for skin-on chicken thighs to crisp up the skin.
It takes around 12 to 15 minutes to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The chicken is fully cooked when the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the chicken should be lightly golden and crispy around the edges when cooked through.
