Ella Walter
Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken thighs, whether you prefer them with or without the skin on. The skinless and boneless option is healthier and quicker to cook, but chicken thighs with the skin on are juicier and more flavoursome. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavour, but these take a little longer to cook. The air fryer is a versatile and healthy way to cook chicken thighs, as it uses little to no oil, and the skin will still go crispy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken thighs, olive oil, avocado oil, lemon, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet smoked paprika, dried herbs, black pepper |
| Equipment | Air fryer, instant-read thermometer, tongs, bowl, plate, zip-top bag |
| Preparation | Pat chicken dry, brush skin with oil, season, cook skin-side down, flip, cook skin-side up |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F |
| Serving Suggestions | Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, quinoa salad, tomato soup, pasta |
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What You'll Learn
- How to get crispy skin on fresh chicken thighs in an air fryer?
- How to season fresh chicken thighs for the air fryer?
- How to know when fresh chicken thighs are cooked in the air fryer?
- How to prepare fresh chicken thighs for the air fryer?
- What to serve with fresh chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer?
How to get crispy skin on fresh chicken thighs in an air fryer
To get crispy skin on fresh chicken thighs in an air fryer, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, take your chicken thighs out of the refrigerator. It is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best results.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. You can also brush the skins with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray, but this is optional.
Next, prepare your chosen seasonings. A typical blend includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, but you can also add onion powder, dried herbs, and the juice of half a lemon. Mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl.
Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the chicken thighs, ensuring both sides are coated. You can use your fingers to gently pat the seasoning onto the meat.
Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes.
After preheating, you can spray the air fryer with cooking spray if desired. Then, put the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin-side down, and cook for 12 minutes.
Turn the chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10-15 minutes. If you want the skin extra crispy, cook in 4-minute increments until you reach your desired level of crispness.
The chicken thighs are done when an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer.
Your chicken thighs should now be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
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How to season fresh chicken thighs for the air fryer
Seasoning chicken thighs for the air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Firstly, it is important to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and ensure even cooking.
Next, you can choose your seasonings. A basic blend might include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or herbs de Provence. For extra crispiness, some recipes suggest adding baking powder to the spice blend. Alternatively, you can use a premade spice mix. If you want to add a tangy flavour, squeeze some lemon juice over the thighs.
Once you have your seasonings, combine them in a bowl and pour them over the chicken. Use your hands to coat the chicken pieces evenly. You can also sprinkle the seasoning directly onto the chicken and rub it in with your fingers.
Finally, place the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin-side down, on a plate or in a large zip-top bag. Sprinkle the desired amount of seasoning over the thighs, then turn them over and sprinkle the other side.
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How to know when fresh chicken thighs are cooked in the air fryer
To know when fresh chicken thighs are cooked in the air fryer, you can use a few different methods. One way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and ensure it reads 165°F. This is the internal temperature that indicates the chicken is cooked. Alternatively, you can check that the juices run clear when you pierce the chicken. The skin should also be golden brown and crispy.
The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer varies depending on the wattage of the air fryer, the size of the chicken thighs, and whether they are boneless or bone-in. On average, chicken thighs will take between 18 and 30 minutes to cook in an air fryer.
For boneless chicken thighs, a cooking time of around 18 minutes is recommended. Some sources suggest cooking for 10 minutes on the first side, then 4 to 5 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Others suggest cooking for 12 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
For bone-in chicken thighs, the cooking time is a little longer. One source recommends cooking skin-side down for 12 minutes, then turning the thighs over and cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Another source suggests cooking for 15 minutes on the first side and 12 minutes on the second side.
It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your chicken thighs, so it's always best to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly.
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How to prepare fresh chicken thighs for the air fryer
Preparing fresh chicken thighs for the air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, decide whether you want to cook your chicken with or without the skin. Chicken thighs with the skin on tend to be more flavoursome, but those without the skin are healthier and a good option if you are watching your calorie intake.
If you are cooking with the skin on, it is important to pat the thighs dry with a paper towel before cooking. This will help to ensure the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer. You can then brush the skins with olive oil or avocado oil spray and apply a rub or seasoning. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika will do the trick, but feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices, such as oregano, dried parsley, or even Parmesan cheese.
If you are cooking with the skin off, you will need to trim the excess fat off the chicken thighs before cooking. You can then follow a similar process of patting the thighs dry and applying a rub or seasoning.
Finally, when you are ready to cook, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, ensuring they are not overlapping, and cook for around 12 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispy chicken thighs, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
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What to serve with fresh chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer
Juicy air-fried chicken thighs with crispy skin are a delicious and healthy meal packed with protein and other nutrients. They go well with a variety of side dishes, including comfort foods and healthier options.
If you're looking for a hearty meal, serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or honey-roasted carrots. Crispy smashed potatoes or chilli oil smashed potatoes are also great options for a spicy kick. For a more refreshing option, a simple side salad, crudites, or a three-bean salad are excellent choices.
You can also pair the chicken with roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans. A quinoa salad, tomato soup, or pasta are other tasty alternatives. If you're short on time, a big green salad with a veggie side is a quick and nutritious option.
For a more indulgent meal, cauliflower mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, or a broccoli salad are delicious options. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken with mushroom rice or homemade mac and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F.
To get the skin crispy, rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle with baking powder before placing them in the air fryer, skin-side down.
