Air-Fried Chicken Thighs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken thighs are a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal. They are a bargain, healthy, and packed with flavour. Using an air fryer to cook chicken thighs is a quick and convenient way to get juicy meat with a crispy exterior. The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air cooks the chicken without drying it out, and the best part is that it only takes about 20 to 30 minutes!

Choosing the right type of chicken thigh

Bone-in vs. Boneless

You can use either bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for your air fryer recipe. Bone-in chicken thighs have the advantage of being harder to overcook and tend to result in juicier meat. They also take longer to cook, which can be beneficial if you want crispier skin. Boneless thighs, on the other hand, cook faster and are a good option if you're short on time. Just remember to reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Skin-on vs. Skinless

Using skin-on chicken thighs is a great way to get that crispy skin texture that many people love. The skin also helps protect the meat, keeping it moist and flavourful. If you opt for skin-on thighs, make sure to pat them dry before cooking and cut away any excess skin. You can also use skinless chicken thighs, which are a healthier option, but you'll miss out on that crispy skin.

Fresh vs. Frozen

While fresh chicken thighs are always a good choice, you can also use frozen chicken thighs for your air fryer recipe. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes, and consider using cooking spray or oil to help the seasonings stick to the meat.

Size and Quantity

It's important to choose chicken thighs of similar size so that they cook evenly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you might need to cook the thighs in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. A typical serving size is one thigh per person, but you can adjust the quantity depending on your appetite and the sides you plan to serve with the chicken.

Quality and Source

Whenever possible, opt for high-quality, fresh chicken thighs from a trusted source. Look for chicken that is firm to the touch, with a smooth, moist surface. Check the packaging for information on the farming practices and whether the chicken is antibiotic-free or organic. Supporting local farmers and butchers is also a great way to ensure the quality and freshness of your chicken.

Preparing the chicken

Selecting the Chicken Thighs

Firstly, you will need to decide whether to use bone-in or boneless, and skin-on or skinless chicken thighs. The general consensus is that bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs produce the best results. The bone adds flavour and moisture to the meat, and the skin becomes deliciously crispy. Skinless and boneless chicken thighs will still work, but they may dry out more easily and won't have the crispy skin. If you do opt for skin-on chicken, it is a good idea to trim away any excess skin and fat.

Seasoning the Chicken

There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your chicken thighs, but a simple and popular option is a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Other seasonings you could include are cayenne pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or herbs de Provence), or even a little lemon juice. You can also add baking powder to the skin of the chicken to make it extra crispy. Simply sprinkle a pinch of baking powder onto the skin and rub it in until it is no longer visible.

To season the chicken, place the thighs in a large mixing bowl or tray. Drizzle or spray the chicken with a small amount of cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil) and add your chosen seasonings. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated in oil and spices. You can also place the chicken and seasonings in a large zip-top bag and shake to coat.

Cooking the Chicken

Before cooking the chicken, preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure the thighs are in a single layer and not touching, as this will ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cook the chicken thighs for 10-12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (but not touching the bone) reaches 165°F. If you are using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 6-8 minutes for the first side and 8-10 minutes for the second side.

Cooking the chicken

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for 5 minutes. You can spray the basket with cooking spray or avocado oil if you want your chicken to be extra crispy.

Now, prepare your chicken thighs. You can use either bone-in or boneless thighs, but bone-in and skin-on thighs will be juicier and more flavourful. If you're using skin-on thighs, cut away any excess skin and pat the thighs dry with a paper towel.

Next, season your chicken. You can use any combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or herbs de Provence), Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of baking powder to the skin to make it extra crispy. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss with your chosen seasonings.

Once your chicken is seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, you're ready to start cooking. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your air fryer is not big enough.

Cook the chicken thighs for 10-12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

There are many different ways to serve air fryer chicken thighs. Here are some suggestions:

• With a big green salad and a vegetable side, such as roasted butternut squash, shredded Brussels sprouts, or roasted green beans.
• With cauliflower mac and cheese, keto green beans with bacon, or a broccoli salad.
• With comfort vegetable sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or honey-roasted carrots.
• With three bean salad, mushroom rice, homemade mac and cheese, a simple side salad, or steamed green beans.
• With air fryer frozen green beans and air fryer baked potatoes.
• With oven-roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or homemade fries.
• With sautéed Brussels sprouts or roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic.
• With brown rice or lemon rice.

Storage and reheating instructions

If you're preparing air fryer chicken thighs ahead of time, season the raw chicken and cover it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. It's best to do this only 1-2 days in advance.

Once cooked, you can store air fryer chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the skin will not remain crispy once refrigerated.

To freeze cooked chicken thighs, use an airtight container and consume within 1 month. Before reheating, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer and heat at 350°F (180°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is warmed through.

If you're reheating fried chicken, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Optionally, spray or brush the chicken with a small amount of oil for extra crispiness. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Reheat for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently asked questions