Cody Casey
Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The air fryer is perfect for cooking chicken thighs as it uses little to no oil, resulting in juicy chicken with a crispy skin. This cooking method is quicker than using a regular oven and produces even better results. The key to achieving crispy skin is to pat the chicken dry before cooking and to use baking powder, which increases the pH level of the skin, allowing it to break out more easily and become crispier. You can also marinate the chicken or use a variety of seasonings to add extra flavour.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 12-30 minutes |
| Temperature | 375F/190C-400F |
| Chicken Thigh Type | Bone-in, Skin-on |
| Chicken Thigh Amount | 4 |
| Cooking Spray | Yes |
| Seasonings | Salt, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Lemon, Parmesan, Spicy Pepper, Baking Powder |
| Sides | Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Honey Roasted Carrots, Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Bacon, Garlic Bok Choy, Milk Bread Rolls, Green Salad, Butternut Squash, Shredded Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Green Beans, Quinoa Salad, Tomato Soup, Pasta |
| Tools | Meat Thermometer |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer and prepare the chicken
To cook chicken thighs in an air fryer, you'll first want to preheat your appliance and prepare the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Some recipes recommend preheating to 380°F. Make sure there are no crumbs or bits in the air fryer vents. You can spray the inside of the basket with non-stick cooking spray if you like.
For the chicken, you'll want to start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone and skin help to protect the meat from drying out and add flavour. If you're using boneless skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 16 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the thighs.
Pat the chicken thighs dry on both sides with a paper towel. This will help the skin to crisp up. If you want to trim away any excess skin, do so before drying the chicken. You can also cut away any excess fat.
Now it's time to season the chicken. In a large bowl, combine your chosen seasonings with oil and, if you're using it, baking powder. The seasonings you use will depend on your taste preferences. You might want to try a mixture of paprika, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and brown sugar. You can also add the juice of half a lemon to the spice mixture, or sprinkle on some parmesan cheese. Give the chicken a good rub all over with the seasoning.
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The best seasonings for chicken thighs
When it comes to seasoning chicken thighs for the air fryer, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before applying any seasonings. This helps to remove excess moisture and ensure crispy skin. You can then apply your chosen seasonings, ensuring they are rubbed well into all sides of the chicken.
One option is to use a blend of spices, such as kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, and black pepper. This combination provides a savoury and slightly smoky flavour profile. Alternatively, you can create a spice rub with Italian seasoning, which typically includes a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. This spice rub can be enhanced with the addition of brown sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the chicken.
If you're looking for something more adventurous, you can experiment with different flavours from around the world. For a Mediterranean twist, consider using olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and cumin. A touch of cinnamon can also be added for a unique, warm flavour. For an Indian-inspired dish, yogurt can be used as a base, combined with garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, chilli powder, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, and cardamom. This creates a complex and aromatic blend of spices.
Additionally, you can customise your chicken thighs with different herbs and ingredients. Parmesan cheese can be added for a savoury, umami flavour. Lemon zest or lemon pepper seasoning adds a bright, citrusy note. If you prefer your chicken with some heat, a spicy pepper blend or cayenne pepper can be included in the seasoning mix. Baking powder is also a secret weapon for achieving extra crispy skin, as it increases the pH level, resulting in a crispier texture.
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How to get the crispiest skin
To get the crispiest skin on your chicken thighs, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, ensure that you pat the chicken thighs dry on both sides before cooking. This will help to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the skin from crisping up. You can also try brushing the skins with olive oil or spraying the air fryer with cooking spray before adding the chicken.
Another tip is to cook the chicken thighs skin-side down first, then flip them over halfway through the cooking process. This allows the skin to cook directly against the heat source, helping to make it crispy. Depending on your air fryer and the size of your chicken thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time. As a guide, cook the chicken skin-side down for 12 minutes, then flip and cook skin-side up for 10-15 minutes. If you want the skin to be even crispier, you can cook it in 4-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of crispness.
One secret ingredient that can help to make the skin ultra-crispy is baking powder. This works by raising the pH level, which helps to break down the bonds during cooking, resulting in extra crispy skin. Simply rub a small amount of baking powder onto the skin before cooking.
Finally, ensure that your air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken thighs. This will help to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F for 5 minutes, then add the chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
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How long to cook the chicken for
The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, the wattage of the air fryer, and the size and type of chicken thighs.
For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, it is recommended to cook them for 16 to 22 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them halfway through. This longer cooking time is due to the bone, which adds extra flavour and moisture to the chicken. It is important to note that the skin-on variety will result in crispier skin. To achieve the desired level of crispiness, some recipes suggest cooking the chicken for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the cooking time can be reduced to 16 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the thighs. This variety may not yield the same crispy skin as the bone-in, skin-on option.
To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is considered fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some recipes suggest cooking the chicken in 12-minute intervals, flipping the thighs halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method may require additional cooking time to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
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What to serve with chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your chicken thigh meal:
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a great option to accompany chicken thighs. You can choose from a variety of veggies such as Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, beets, carrots, or green beans. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try crispy smashed potatoes or chili oil smashed potatoes. For a healthier option, consider serving them with a big green salad or roasted broccoli. Asparagus is another great choice that pairs well with chicken.
Starch and Grains
If you're looking for a starch option, rice is a perfect choice. You can make garlic fried rice or jeera rice, or simply dress it up with green onions and butter. Potatoes are also a great side dish, whether you smash, bake, or pan-fry them. For a more filling option, consider making cheesy tater tots or polenta. Pasta is another versatile option that can be served in a variety of ways to complement your chicken thighs.
Salads
Salads can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of chicken thighs. You can make a simple tomato salad or get creative with ingredients like avocado, bacon, and yolks. A quinoa salad or a big green salad with veggies is also a great option.
Breads
Freshly baked bread rolls can complete your meal and help soak up all the delicious juices.
Special Ingredients
If you want to add some special ingredients to your chicken thighs, consider using baking powder to get that extra crispy skin. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or your favorite spicy pepper.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken thighs can take anywhere from 12 to 30 minutes to cook in an air fryer, depending on the desired crispiness and the wattage of your air fryer.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove any excess moisture. You can also add baking powder to your seasoning, as this increases the pH level of the chicken skin, allowing the bonds to break out more easily and resulting in crispier skin.
Preheat your air fryer to between 375F/190C and 400F, and cook at this temperature throughout.
