Air fryer boneless and skinless chicken thighs offer a quick, juicy, and flavorful meal with crispy skin.
What are the ingredients to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
6 ingredients are needed to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer; these are
- Chicken thighs: 16-18 oz boneless and skinless chicken thighs cook best in the air fryer. 4 chicken thighs are used for this recipe.
- 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs: Herbs add a robust and concentrated flavor. They help infuse the chicken thighs with savory and aromatic notes.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: The olive oil helps to achieve crispy skin and to lock in the moisture. Oil ensures chicken thighs are tender and juicy.
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Can you cook in the air fryer with bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes. To cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer, keep the skin side up and cook for 25-30 minutes at 392°F (200°C). Boneless chicken thighs cook 50% faster than the bone-in. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken thigh reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure safe cooking.
Can you use frozen chicken thighs to cook in the air fryer?
Yes. To use frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer, thaw them before seasoning them. It’s suggested to use fresh chicken thighs to avoid uneven cooking.
What cooking equipment is required to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
A 5-6 quarts air fryer (for cooking 4 chicken thighs at once) and a mixing bowl are required to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer.
What is the best temperature and time to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Boneless and skinless chicken thighs cook best in 10-12 minutes at 392°F (200°C). Cooking time can be increased to achieve extra crispness.
4 steps to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer
- Season the chicken. Rub the boneless and skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, 1 tsp granulated garlic, and 3 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C ) for 5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
- Serve. Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm.
Can you store the air-fried chicken thighs?
Yes. To store air-fried chicken thighs, cool them at room temperature and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage (2-3 months), place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze.
How do you reheat the air fryer chicken thighs?
To reheat refrigerated air-fried chicken thighs, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 3-5 mins. To reheat frozen thighs, reheat for 8-10 minutes. Increase the reheating time if desired crispness isn’t achieved.
FAQ
What should I do if my chicken thighs turn out dry in an air fryer?
To avoid dry-cooked chicken thighs in the air fryer, don’t overcook them and marinate for a longer time before cooking. Also, brush them with a bit of olive oil or melted butter during cooking to add moisture.
How can I keep my chicken thighs moist when cooking in the air fryer?
Baste chicken thighs with juices or olive oil during cooking to keep them moist in the air fryer. Also, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes.
How do I make my air fryer chicken thighs extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispness in air-fried chicken thighs, always pat dry the chicken thighs before seasoning. Also, you can use 1/2 tsp baking powder and seasoning to yield more crisp.
How can I reduce the amount of grease in my air fryer chicken thighs?
To reduce grease in air-fried chicken thighs, trim excess fat before cooking. Use a rack or tray accessory to elevate the chicken thighs. Also, you can use air fryer-specific parchment paper with holes.
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe Video
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Recipe
Equipment
- 5-6 Quarts air fryer
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 18 oz Chicken Thighs Skinless and Boneless
- 2 tbsp Dried Italian Herbs
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Granulated Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with Italian herbs, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and olive oil until they are evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the preheated air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
