Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for quick and easy meals. They are flavorful, juicy, and become deliciously crispy when cooked in an air fryer. But how long should you cook chicken thighs in an air fryer to achieve the perfect texture? In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to cook chicken thighs to crispy, juicy perfection in your air fryer.
Factors That Affect Chicken Thigh Cook Times
Several factors impact how long chicken thighs take to cook in an air fryer:
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Bone-in vs boneless: Bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook than boneless thighs. The bones help retain moisture and require more time to become fully cooked. Boneless thighs cook faster.
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Thickness: Thicker chicken thighs will require more time than thinner pieces. Double check thickness and adjust cook time as needed.
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Quantity: Cooking a large batch of chicken thighs will increase cook time compared to a smaller amount. Work in batches if needed.
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Temperature Higher air fryer temperatures will decrease cook time The average temperature range is 380°F to 400°F
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Model of air fryer Different air fryer models vary in size and power Get to know your appliance
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Frozen vs thawed Frozen chicken thighs will take nearly double the time of thawed thighs Always thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator before cooking,
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked air fryer chicken thighs every time:
1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs
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Trim off any excess fat or skin if desired. This prevents flare-ups.
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Any moisture on the surface will prevent crisping.
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Season as desired. Consider a dry rub or marinade.
2. Preheat Air Fryer
- Preheating is key for even cooking. Most recipes call for preheating at 400°F for around 5 minutes.
3. Add Chicken Thighs to Air Fryer Basket
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Place thighs in a single layer in the basket, without overcrowding.
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You may need to cook in batches depending on air fryer size.
4. Cook Chicken Thighs
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Cook at 400°F, flipping thighs halfway through. Time will vary based on factors above.
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Bone-in thighs take 18-22 minutes total. Boneless around 15-18 minutes.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness of at least 165°F.
5. Allow to Rest
- Let chicken thighs rest 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
Handy Time Chart for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Use this chart as a guide, adjusting cook time based on your specific factors:
|Cook Time at 400°F|
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|Bone-in chicken thighs|18-22 minutes total|
|Boneless chicken thighs|15-18 minutes total|
|Frozen bone-in thighs|22-28 minutes total|
|Frozen boneless thighs|20-25 minutes total|
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
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Brush thighs with oil before cooking for crisper skin.
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Flip thighs over halfway during cooking for even browning.
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Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
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Let thighs rest before serving for juicier meat.
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Play with different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, herbs.
Common Questions
Should I flip chicken thighs when air frying?
Yes, flipping the thighs halfway during cook time allows for even browning and crisping on both sides.
Can I air fry frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, just extend cook time and always thaw frozen chicken thighs in the fridge before air frying.
Should I trim chicken thighs before air frying?
Trimming excess fat and skin is optional, but can prevent flare-ups in the air fryer.
What temperature should I cook chicken thighs?
Cook at 400°F, adjusting time based on whether they are bone-in or boneless.
The Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer results in a crispy, juicy version of this flavorful cut of chicken. Follow the recommendations in this guide for the ideal cook times based on the factors for your specific batch. With a quick prep, simple seasonings, and the right cook time in your air fryer, you’ll enjoy tender, delicious chicken thighs any night of the week.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Since air-fried chicken thighs are such a fast and easy dinner staple, I suggest keeping the side dishes easy as well. I like to serve my chicken thighs with something that I can prepare in the amount of time that it takes for them to cook in the air fryer, like my mushroom rice or homemade mac and cheese. A salad is also something I often whip up whenever chicken is on the menu, so a simple side salad, crudites, or my three bean salad is always a winner in my home!
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch ($0.06)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.02)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.01)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder ($0.01)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano ($0.01)
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02)
- 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp Freshly cracked pepper ($0.04)
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.25 lbs.) ($7.83)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.04)
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and drizzle the cooking oil over top, then add the cornstarch and seasoning mixture. Toss the chicken thighs until they are well coated in oil and spices.
- Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for 8 minutes more.
- Flip one last time so the skin side is up and cook for two minutes. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 165ºF, and if not, cook for 1-2 minutes longer. Serve the chicken thighs hot with your favorite simple sides!
What kind of Air Fryer to Use
You can cook chicken thighs in pretty much any type of air fryer. You’ll just need to make sure that the basket is large enough to cook the number of chicken thighs you’d like to make. I was able to cook four large chicken thighs in my 5-quart Air Fryer. The chicken thighs should have enough room around them for air to flow freely, keeping in mind that they will shrink some as they cook.
If you want to change up the flavor of your air-fried chicken thighs, try using some of these other seasoning blends: