|
Prep Time |
Cook Time |
Total Time |
|
10 minutes |
20 minutes |
30 minutes |
Air fryer food can sometimes turn out a bit dry, but that’s definitely not the case with these chicken thighs. Seriously, air fryer chicken thighs are some of the most tender and juicy chicken I’ve ever cooked. Plus that satisfyingly crispy skin and a quick cooking time of just 20 minutes, it could really shake up your weeknight dinner routine.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- INKBIRD Wireless Meat Thermometer
- Tongs
- Bowl
Are Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Healthy?
Whether air fryer chicken thighs are healthy is somewhat subjective. On one hand, they are certainly healthier compared to traditional deep-fried chicken thighs, as they use much less oil.
On the other hand, air frying is just another cooking method like grilling, baking or boiling, which means it won’t add extra calories unless you add more oil, spices or whatever. If you’re losing weight, you might consider removing the skin after cooking to further cut down fat and calories.
So, yes, I think air fryer chicken thighs are a pretty healthy and satisfying meal.
RELATED: Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe
Bone-in or Boneless Chicken Thighs?
I’ve done both. Extensively. And I have to say, the bone-in chicken thighs are the way. While boneless thighs may cook faster, they are easily dried out, which isn’t worth sacrificing that juiciness for just a few extra minutes. The bone not only enriches the flavor but also retains moisture during air frying. If you still prefer boneless, that’s fine, but you’ll miss out on some of the delicious juices.
Regardless of bone-in or boneless, it’s best to leave the skin on, which is the key to keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Even if you don’t eat it, you can always remove it afterward.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer?
First things first, if your chicken thighs are refrigerated or frozen, take them out ahead of time and let them come to room temperature. Otherwise, the skin won’t be crispy.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Prep chicken. Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels, then massage them with a light layer of oil. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, and mix them well. Then generously coat the chicken thighs with this mixture.
Step 3: Insert wireless thermometer. Pull out the meat probe of your INKBIRD meat thermometer and carefully insert it into the thickest part of chicken thigh, so you’ll receive timely alert when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Air fry chicken thighs. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up, ensuring there is enough space around each thigh for air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and fry for another 10 minutes. For extra crispy skin, flip the skin-side up again and fry for the final 2 minutes and until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve immediately. Trust me, this is the juiciest chicken you’ll ever taste.
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer?
If you forget to thaw your chicken thighs, you can still air fry them from frozen directly, but keep in mind that the spices might not stick well, and the crispiness could be sacrificed. So, if time permits, a quick 30-minute thaw in cold water would lead to a better result.
However, if you’re really short on time, just lower the air fryer temperature to 380°F and add an extra 12 minutes to the total cooking time, that is, 6 minutes per side, until your wireless thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
Air fryer chicken thighs make for a delicious and convenient protein option for weeknight dinners. I love serving them with carbohydrates like mushroom rice, mashed potatoes, creamy pasta, or corn on the cob. For festive occasions, I’d pair them with air fryer veggies, maple-roasted sweet potatoes, crisp green salad, or crunchy bread. The key is, these tender and juicy chicken thighs complement any side dish beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat?
Air fryer chicken thighs are best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 4 days. Alternatively, vacuum-seal and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, it’s best to put them back in the air fryer - preheat it to 370°F, place the chicken skin-side up, and cook for 5-7 minutes to restore that crispy texture.
