Air-Fried Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Quick, Crispy, Juicy

Bone-in chicken thighs are a great option for a quick, tasty, and juicy meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, making them a convenient weeknight dinner option. The bone helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin gets deliciously crispy. You can season them simply with salt, pepper, and garlic and onion powder, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or curry powder.

How to get crispy skin

To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, follow these steps:

Pat Dry

Use a paper towel to pat the chicken thighs dry. This step is crucial, as it helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Rub with Oil

After patting the chicken dry, rub them with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and promote a crispy skin.

Season Generously

Create a seasoning mix with common spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Don't be shy with the seasoning; generously coat the chicken thighs on both sides.

Air Fryer Temperature and Placement

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, making sure they are in a single layer with space between them. This ensures that the hot air circulates evenly, crisping up the skin.

Cooking Time and Flipping

Cook the chicken thighs for 12 minutes on the first side, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7-15 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs and the wattage of your air fryer, so it's best to use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. For an extra crispy skin, you can cook the chicken thighs in 4-minute increments until your desired crispness is achieved.

Resting

Once the chicken thighs are cooked, let them rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Tips for Crispy Skin

• Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
• Choose similar-sized chicken thighs so they cook at the same rate.
• For an extra crispy kick, add a dash of baking powder to your seasoning mix.

How to season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken thighs turn out juicy and flavourful. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your chicken:

Firstly, gather your spices and herbs. A simple and classic combination includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried oregano. However, you can also experiment with other spices like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, curry powder, or even cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Before applying the spices, it is important to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the spices adhere better and promote a crispier skin. You can also choose to trim any excess skin and fat at this stage.

Next, rub the chicken thighs with a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and promote even browning. You can use a cooking spray for this step if you prefer.

Now, it's time to apply the spices. You can either sprinkle the spices directly over the chicken and then rub them in or mix the spices in a separate bowl first and then coat the chicken. Ensure you get the spices under the skin for maximum flavour.

If you have time, you can let the chicken sit with the spices for a while to let the flavours develop. This step is optional, but it can enhance the taste of your chicken.

Finally, place the chicken thighs in the air fryer, skin-side down, and cook according to your air fryer's instructions. Remember to flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations and techniques to find your perfect seasoning for juicy, flavourful chicken thighs!

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for your chicken thighs will depend on a few factors: whether the thighs are boneless or bone-in, the size of the chicken pieces, and the model of your air fryer.

For bone-in chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and then rub them with olive oil. Combine your seasonings in a small bowl and then sprinkle them over the chicken pieces, rubbing them in to help them stick. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side down, in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7 to 12 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For boneless chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub with olive oil and seasonings as above. Cook the chicken in a single layer at 400°F for 11 to 15 minutes, without flipping. Again, the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Note that the cooking times given are estimates, and the best way to tell if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer.

What to serve with the chicken

Now that you've cooked your chicken, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your juicy, crispy bone-in chicken thighs:

Salads

A big green salad is a great option to serve on the side. You could also try a quinoa salad or a broccoli salad.

Vegetables

Roasted butternut squash, shredded or roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted green beans, or cauliflower are all great vegetable options to serve as sides. You could also serve them with keto green beans with bacon.

Starchy Sides

For some more substance, you could serve your chicken with potatoes—try oven-roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or homemade fries. Alternatively, serve it with pasta or rice—brown rice or lemon rice would work well.

Soups

A comforting bowl of soup, like tomato soup, would also go well with your chicken.

How to store and reheat the chicken

Storing your chicken correctly is essential to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recommendations, cooked chicken should be refrigerated at 40 F (or less) and used within 3 to 4 days.

Storing Your Chicken:

• Allow the chicken to cool: Place the chicken on a plate or the roasting pan and leave it to cool at room temperature for no more than an hour.
• Refrigerate: Once the chicken has cooled, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents.
• Check for freshness: Cooked chicken should be firm and dry. If it develops a slimy texture, becomes soft, or has an unpleasant odour, it should be discarded.

Reheating Your Chicken:

There are several ways to reheat your chicken to ensure it remains juicy and flavourful. Here are some options:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet. Bake for around 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop: This method is ideal for boneless chicken. Slice the meat into strips and place them in a skillet with a small amount of water or chicken broth. Simmer over medium heat until the chicken is heated through.
• Air fryer: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature, then spray with a light coating of non-stick spray. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 4 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Place the chicken in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces towards the centre. Drizzle with olive oil and a small amount of water, then cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat for 2 minutes, then flip and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

Remember to always check that your chicken is thoroughly heated before consuming. Enjoy your delicious, crispy chicken!

Frequently asked questions