Air-Fryer Chicken Thighs: Quick, Crispy, And Juicy

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make any time of the week. Requiring minimal preparation, this dish is perfect for those who are time-poor or cooking-averse. The chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cooked in an air fryer for around 15-20 minutes. The result is juicy meat with a crispy exterior.

Choosing the right chicken thighs

Bone-in or Boneless?

You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken thighs in your air fryer. Bone-in chicken thighs tend to result in juicier meat, and if you keep the skin on, you can achieve that desirable crispy texture. However, boneless chicken thighs are also a great option, especially if you're looking for a quicker cooking time. They can still achieve a crispy exterior without the skin, thanks to the air fryer's ability to crisp up the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Skin-on or Skinless?

The decision to use skin-on or skinless chicken thighs depends on your preference for texture and flavour. Skin-on chicken thighs will give you that irresistible crispy skin, adding a tasty dimension to your dish. However, skinless chicken thighs are also a viable option, especially if you're aiming for a lower-calorie meal. They can still become beautifully crispy in the air fryer, and you can always add a coating or breading for extra crunch.

Fresh or Frozen?

Fresh chicken thighs are ideal for air fryer recipes as they tend to yield the best results in terms of texture and flavour. However, if you're short on time or want to save some money, frozen chicken thighs can also be used. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Size and Quantity:

When choosing chicken thighs, opt for ones that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. This is particularly important when using an air fryer, as you want to avoid overcrowding the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken thighs in batches. Typically, you'll need around 4-6 chicken thighs for a satisfying meal.

Quality and Source:

Whenever possible, select high-quality, fresh chicken thighs from a reputable source. Look for chicken thighs with a decent amount of marbling, which will add flavour and moisture to your dish. If you can, choose chicken that is ethically sourced and free of hormones and antibiotics.

Preparation:

Before cooking your chicken thighs in the air fryer, trim any excess skin or fat to promote a leaner and healthier outcome. You can also remove the skin if you prefer, although this step is optional. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve that coveted crispy texture.

Preparing the chicken

Pat the Chicken Dry:

Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the chicken thighs. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a crispy texture.

Create the Spice Rub:

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and herbs. The specific spices and measurements can vary based on your preferences, but common options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. You can also add olive oil to create a paste-like consistency, which will help the rub adhere better to the chicken.

Coat the Chicken:

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and use your hands or a brush to generously coat them with the spice rub. Ensure that each piece is well covered for maximum flavor.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 380-400°F (193-200°C). Preheating ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.

Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking. Use tongs to place the chicken thighs in a single layer, rounded or smooth side down, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.

Air Fry the Chicken:

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the chicken thighs, but on average, boneless chicken thighs take around 10-15 minutes on each side. For bone-in chicken thighs, expect a slightly longer cooking time, typically around 12 minutes on the first side and 7-12 minutes on the second side.

Check for Doneness:

To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the meat. Chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they haven't reached this temperature, cook them for a few minutes longer until they do.

Rest the Chicken:

Once your chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer using tongs and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken.

Air frying the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the spices adhere better to the chicken. You can also trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs at this stage to promote a leaner and healthier outcome.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and seasonings. The specific spices you use can vary depending on your taste preferences, but some popular options include paprika (sweet, smoked, or regular), garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add a touch of olive oil to create a paste-like consistency, which will help the spices stick to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Use your hands or a brush to generously coat the chicken thighs with the herb and spice mixture. Make sure to get a nice, even coating on all sides of the chicken.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature can vary depending on your air fryer and preferences, but temperatures between 380°F to 400°F are commonly used.

Step 5: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Then, use tongs to place the chicken thighs into the basket, making sure they are not overlapping. For optimal cooking, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer with space between them.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken

Close the air fryer and let the chicken cook. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken thighs and the model of your air fryer, but a good starting point is to air fry at 380°F to 400°F for 10-12 minutes on each side. For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you may not need to flip them during the cooking process.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the meat. The chicken should also have a nice, crispy exterior.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more juicy and flavorful. Serve your air fryer chicken thighs with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve air-fried boneless skinless chicken thighs. Here are some suggestions:

As a Main Dish

You can serve the chicken thighs as the main course, pairing them with side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a simple pasta dish.

In Sandwiches or Wraps

Slice the chicken thighs and serve them in sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomato, and your favourite sauce.

In Salads

Chop the chicken and add it to a salad, such as a couscous salad with lemon dressing, for a protein-packed meal.

In Grain Bowls

Slice or shred the chicken and add it to a bowl with grains like rice or quinoa, along with vegetables and a tasty dressing.

With Sides

Serve the chicken with hot or cold sides, such as air-fried vegetables, salads, quinoa, couscous, rice, or mashed potatoes.

With a Splash of Lemon

Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving to add a tangy flavour.

Storage tips

Before cooking, chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if you're thawing them. For longer storage, you can keep them in a sealed container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When storing raw chicken, prevent cross-contamination by placing it on the bottom shelf of the fridge and ensuring that it doesn't come into contact with other foods, especially ready-to-eat foods.

Once cooked, allow the chicken thighs to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken thighs for longer storage.

To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes, or microwave for 45–90 seconds.

Frequently asked questions