Are you tired of cooking chicken thighs the same old way? Do you want a crispy and juicy chicken thigh without using too much oil? Well, using an air fryer might be the perfect solution for you! Air fryers are great kitchen gadgets that make it easy to cook various meals without using too much oil. In this article, we will explain how to make chicken thighs in an air fryer that are crispy and delicious.

Air fryers are popular for cooking chicken as they give a crispy skin on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. The first step is to prepare your chicken thighs. You’ll want to rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, season them with your favorite seasoning or marinade. Preheat your air fryer to about 400°F. Once the air fryer is preheated, place your chicken thighs in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s that simple! The best part is that you can cook other side dishes or meals in the air fryer at the same time. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your new air-fryer chicken thigh recipe.

10 Steps to Make the Perfect Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

Air fryers have made cooking chicken thighs a breeze. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer user or a novice, these 10 steps will help you make the perfect chicken thighs in an air fryer.

1. Choose Your Chicken Thighs

Choose high-quality chicken thighs for the best results. Organic, boneless, and skinless are the healthiest options. If you prefer bone-in thighs, make sure to increase the cook time by a few minutes.

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2. Marinate Your Chicken Thighs

Marinating your chicken thighs ups the flavor of your dish. You can use any marinade of your choice, but we recommend using a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

3. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure that your chicken thighs cook evenly. Preheating your air fryer will also shorten the overall cooking time.

4. Place Your Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Arrange your chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. If you’re cooking bone-in chicken thighs, place them on the bottom rack.

5. Set the Temperature

Set the temperature to 400°F. This temperature ensures that your chicken thighs cook evenly and get crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.

6. Set the Cooking Time

Cook your chicken thighs for 15-18 minutes, depending on their size. Flip your chicken thighs halfway through cooking to ensure that both sides are cooked evenly.

7. Check Your Chicken Thighs

Check your chicken thighs using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked.

8. Let Your Chicken Thighs Rest

Let your chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to distribute evenly, making for a juicier and more flavorful dish.

9. Serve Your Chicken Thighs

Serve your chicken thighs with your favorite sides. Steamed veggies, roasted sweet potatoes, and quinoa make for a healthy and delicious meal.

10. Clean Your Air Fryer

Clean your air fryer immediately after use to ensure it lasts. Remove the basket and tray and wash them with warm soapy water. Wipe the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners or utensils on your air fryer.

Conclusion

Making chicken thighs in an air fryer is simple. By following these 10 steps, you’ll get juicy and flavorful chicken thighs every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings and marinades. Happy cooking!

Best Chicken Thighs Recipes for Your Air Fryer

After learning about the basics of cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer, it’s time to explore the different recipes that you can try at home. Here are some of the best and easy-to-follow chicken thighs recipes that you can use to impress your family and friends.

1. Crispy and Juicy Chicken Thighs

One of the classic dishes that you can cook in your air fryer is crispy and juicy chicken thighs. This recipe requires only a few ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Cook them for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

2. Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs

If you’re looking for a sweet and savory recipe, you can try making honey-glazed chicken thighs in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix honey, mustard, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Brush the honey mixture on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them every 8 minutes to ensure that they are evenly glazed.

3. Lemon and Herb Chicken Thighs

Lemon and herb chicken thighs are a flavorful and healthy option that you can make in your air fryer. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and arrange the chicken thighs in the basket. Brush the lemon and herb mixture on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

4. BBQ Chicken Thighs

If you’re a fan of BBQ chicken, you can try cooking BBQ chicken thighs in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and onion powder. In a separate bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Brush the BBQ sauce on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they are evenly coated.

5. Spicy Chicken Thighs

For those who enjoy spicy food, you can make spicy chicken thighs in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, mix hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and arrange the chicken thighs in the basket. Brush the hot sauce mixture on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

6. Garlic and Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Garlic and parmesan chicken thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that you can cook in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, mix grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and dried herbs.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Sprinkle the parmesan mixture on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

7. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Teriyaki chicken thighs are a popular Japanese dish that you can make in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Brush the teriyaki sauce on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

8. Buffalo Chicken Thighs

Buffalo chicken thighs are a spicy and delicious option that you can make in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, mix hot sauce, melted butter, and honey.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Brush the buffalo sauce on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

9. Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Cilantro lime chicken thighs are a refreshing and flavorful dish that you can make in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and cumin. In a separate bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and cilantro.

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Brush the cilantro lime mixture on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

10. Italian Chicken Thighs

If you’re in the mood for Italian food, you can make Italian chicken thighs in your air fryer. Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, mix tomato paste, garlic, and olive oil.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and place the chicken thighs in the basket. Spoon the tomato mixture on top of each piece. Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

Seasoning Options for Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

One of the best things about cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is that they turn out incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. However, to make them truly delicious, you need to think about the right seasoning. Here are five seasoning options to try:

Seasoning Ingredients Instructions
Garlic Herb 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
Lemon Pepper 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning, salt. Sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning and salt generously over the chicken thighs, patting it down for even coverage.
Smoky Paprika 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt, pepper. Mix all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
Soy Sauce and Ginger 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, then pour the mixture over the chicken thighs. Use your hands to rub the mixture into the chicken, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.
Buffalo Sauce 1/4 cup hot sauce, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Dip each chicken thigh into the sauce, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides.

No matter which seasoning you choose, remember to preheat your air fryer, then place the chicken thighs inside the air fryer basket, making sure there is enough space between them. Cook the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. When done, let them rest for a few minutes to seal in the juices before serving. Enjoy crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken thighs that everyone in the family will love!

Enjoy Your Air Fryer Chicken Thighs!

Congratulations, you’ve learned how to make juicy and delicious chicken thighs in your air fryer! We hope you found these tips helpful and are excited to try out this recipe yourself. Don’t be shy to experiment with different spices and flavors to make it your own signature dish. Thanks for reading and we can’t wait to see you again on our website for more tasty recipes and cooking hacks. Happy cooking!