Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Recipe

Making crispy chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious family meal. The air fryer is perfect for achieving crispy skin without having to heat up the oven, and it also prevents splatter on the stove top. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces, whether they have bones, and the model of the air fryer. Bone-in chicken thighs will take 12 minutes, then flip and cook for 7-12 more minutes. Boneless chicken thighs will take 11-15 minutes in total.

Choosing the right chicken thighs

Bone-In vs. Boneless Chicken Thighs

The first decision you need to make is whether to use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. Both options are viable, but they will require slightly different cooking times and techniques.

Bone-in chicken thighs tend to be the preferred choice for air fryer crispy chicken thighs. The bone helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin gets nice and crispy during the cooking process. Bone-in thighs may take a little longer to cook, but they are less likely to dry out.

On the other hand, boneless chicken thighs cook faster and are a good option if you want to slice the chicken and add it to a salad or other dish. However, without the bone, you need to be more careful not to overcook the meat, as it can dry out more quickly.

Skin-On vs. Skinless

If you decide to go with bone-in chicken thighs, it is recommended to choose skin-on thighs. The skin adds flavour and texture to the dish, becoming crispy and golden during the air-frying process.

However, if you prefer to remove the skin before eating, you can do so after cooking. Alternatively, you can choose skinless chicken thighs, but be aware that they may require a shorter cooking time and won't have the same crispy texture.

Fresh vs. Frozen

It is best to use fresh chicken thighs for this recipe to ensure even cooking and the best results. However, if you only have frozen chicken thighs, you can still use them. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes, and consider rubbing some oil on the thighs to help the seasonings stick.

Size and Quantity

When selecting chicken thighs, try to choose ones that are similar in size so that they cook evenly. You will likely need to cook the thighs in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking. Most air fryers can fit 4-6 chicken thighs, depending on their size.

Quality and Source

As with any meat, the quality and source of your chicken thighs can impact the flavour and texture of your final dish. Look for chicken thighs from a reputable source, and choose organic or free-range options if possible.

Storage and Freshness

Ensure that the chicken thighs you choose are fresh and have been stored properly. Check the "best before" date and inspect the packaging for any signs of damage or leakage. Fresh chicken thighs should have a pinkish-white colour, and the skin should be smooth and moist, not slimy.

By following these guidelines, you can choose the right chicken thighs to create delicious, crispy air fryer chicken thighs!

Preparing the chicken

Pat the Chicken Dry:

Start by taking your chicken thighs out of the refrigerator. Use paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken develop a crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.

Trim Excess Skin and Fat

If needed, use a sharp knife to trim away any excess skin or fat from the chicken thighs. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy skin.

Seasoning the Chicken:

In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like oregano. Mix them well. You can also add other spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Once your seasoning mix is ready, generously sprinkle it over the chicken thighs. Make sure to rub the spices onto the chicken, getting some of it under the skin for maximum flavour.

Brushing with Oil:

After seasoning, brush the chicken thighs with a thin coat of olive oil or avocado oil. This step helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and promotes even browning and crisping during cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 375-400°F (190-200°C). Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature. Make sure there are no crumbs or residue in the air fryer vents before preheating.

Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned and oiled chicken thighs into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, skin-side down, making sure they are not touching each other. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cooking the chicken

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375F/190C or 400F, depending on your model. Make sure the air fryer basket is clean and dry.

Next, take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. If there is any excess skin, trim it away. You can also cut away any excess fat at this stage.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a variety of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and dried herbs like oregano. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl, then rub them over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat all sides. You can also add olive oil to help the seasoning stick.

Once the chicken is seasoned, place the thighs into the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will ensure the hot air can circulate and create that crispy skin.

Cook the chicken thighs for around 12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for a further 7-15 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs and your air fryer model. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. To check this, use a meat thermometer, inserting it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone.

Once the chicken has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the chicken is nice and juicy.

And that's it! You now have perfectly crispy and juicy air-fried chicken thighs.

Serving suggestions

These crispy air fryer chicken thighs can be served as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to accompany your juicy chicken thighs:

Vegetables and Salads

• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, or green beans.
• A simple veggie side salad or a heartier quinoa salad.
• Sautéed Brussels sprouts or roasted broccoli as a healthy option.
• Rice or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.

Starchier Options

• Oven-roasted potatoes or homemade fries.
• Baked sweet potatoes or roasted sweet potato cubes.
• Pasta or pasta salads, such as pasta al limone or lemon rice.

Soups and Dips

• Tomato soup or any other light soup.
• Dips and sauces like buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or salsa verde.

Other Meats

• Bacon, such as serving the chicken thighs with bacon-wrapped air fryer chicken breast.
• Crispy pork chops.

Complete Meals

• Cauliflower Mac and cheese.
• Keto green beans with bacon.
• Broccoli salad.

Storage and reheating instructions

Allow the chicken thighs to cool completely before storing them. It is important to let chicken cool before refrigerating. Once cooled, transfer the chicken thighs to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. Consume the chicken within 3 to 5 days.

If you don't plan on eating the chicken within this time, it is best to freeze your leftovers. Let the chicken cool to room temperature and then place it into a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

To reheat the chicken thighs, first, thaw them completely if frozen. Then, preheat your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded and have space between each piece. For crispy skin, you may want to lightly brush the chicken with oil before air frying. Reheat for 3 to 8 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until warmed through and crispy.

Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Do not reheat the chicken in the air fryer more than once, as it will dry out.

Frequently asked questions