If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to cook bone-in chicken thighs, look no further than your air fryer. The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking crispy, juicy chicken thighs. With the air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation, you can achieve that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the meat tender and moist inside.

First, gather your ingredients: bone-in chicken thighs, your choice of seasonings, and a little bit of oil. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which is usually around 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Make sure to season both sides of the thighs to maximize the flavor.

When your air fryer is preheated, lightly coat the chicken thighs with oil to help them crisp up. You can use a brush or simply drizzle the oil over the thighs. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the basket can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in less crispy chicken.

Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your thighs and the specific model of your air fryer, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The chicken thighs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remember, bone-in chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook than boneless ones due to the extra bone. But this extra time is well worth it, as the bone-in thighs tend to have a richer flavor and juicier texture.

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Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in an even more flavorful and succulent bite. Serve your air-fried bone-in chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, and enjoy a delicious and hassle-free meal!

Tips for cooking bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer

Cooking bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious and crispy chicken without the added oil. Here are some tips to ensure that your chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Just like with an oven, preheating the air fryer helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature before adding the chicken thighs.

2. Season the chicken: Before cooking the chicken, season it generously with your favorite spices and herbs. This will help to enhance the flavor of the chicken and give it a delicious taste.

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3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.

4. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this can prevent the chicken thighs from cooking evenly. Leave enough space between each piece of chicken to allow for proper air circulation.

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5. Flip the chicken: Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken thighs to ensure that both sides cook evenly. This will help to achieve a crispy and golden brown crust.

6. Let the chicken rest: After cooking, allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to seal in the juices and ensure that the chicken is tender and moist.

By following these tips, you can easily cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal in no time!

Preparing the chicken thighs

Before cooking the bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer, it is essential to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to follow:

Gather the ingredients

Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the recipe. For cooking bone-in chicken thighs, you will need:

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  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. This usually takes a few minutes, depending on your specific air fryer model.

Pat the chicken thighs dry

Remove the bone-in chicken thighs from their packaging and pat them dry using paper towels. This step helps ensure a crispy skin when cooking in the air fryer.

Season the chicken thighs

Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Then, season them with your preferred seasonings. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other seasonings you prefer.

Let the chicken thighs marinate (optional)

If you have time, you can let the seasoned chicken thighs marinate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of the chicken.

Prepare the air fryer basket

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil. This will help prevent the chicken thighs from sticking to the basket during cooking.

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to cook the bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer.

Marinating the chicken thighs

Marinating the chicken thighs is an important step to enhance their flavor and tenderness. Here’s how you can marinate the chicken thighs in preparation for air frying:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine your choice of marinade ingredients, such as soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Mix them well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

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2. Clean and pat dry the chicken thighs: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture that can prevent the marinade from fully penetrating the meat.

3. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag: Transfer the chicken thighs to a resealable plastic bag. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer to ensure all the chicken thighs are evenly coated with the marinade.

4. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken thighs in the bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there are no air pockets, and massage the marinade into the chicken thighs to ensure they are fully coated.

5. Marinate in the refrigerator: Place the sealed bag of marinated chicken thighs in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. Marinating for longer periods allows the flavors to fully infuse into the meat.

6. Take the chicken thighs out before air frying: Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying. This helps to ensure even cooking.

Note: Always discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Seasoning the chicken thighs

Before cooking the bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer, it is important to season them to enhance the flavor. Here are some delicious seasoning options you can try:

1. Salt and pepper

A classic go-to seasoning for chicken, salt, and pepper can never go wrong. Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Garlic and herb

Create a flavorful blend of garlic and herbs by combining minced garlic, dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the chicken thighs to infuse them with aromatic flavors.

3. Spice rub

If you like your chicken to have a bit of a kick, create a spice rub by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs with this spice rub for a deliciously spicy taste.

4. Lemon and herb

Add a refreshing citrus flavor to the chicken thighs by seasoning them with lemon zest, minced garlic, dried herbs like thyme or oregano, salt, and pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the thighs for an added burst of tanginess.

After seasoning the chicken thighs, let them sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will result in a more flavorful and delicious dish.

Remember to adjust the amount of seasoning according to your preference. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your chicken thighs.

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Cooking the chicken thighs in the air fryer

Once you have seasoned your bone-in chicken thighs, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these steps to achieve deliciously crispy and juicy chicken thighs:

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken thighs cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs

Place the seasoned bone-in chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching each other to allow hot air to circulate around the chicken and cook it properly.

Step 3: Cook the chicken thighs

Set the air fryer to cook the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Cook them for 12-15 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 12-15 minutes on the other side. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.

Note: To make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken thighs should register at least 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices to distribute evenly and keep the chicken moist. Serve the chicken thighs hot and enjoy their crispy skin and tender meat!

Q&A

Can I cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer. The air fryer provides a quick and efficient way to cook chicken thighs, ensuring a crispy skin and juicy meat.

What temperature should I set the air fryer to when cooking bone-in chicken thighs?

The recommended temperature for cooking bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to crisp up the skin while ensuring that the meat cooks through.

How long does it take to cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer?

The cooking time for bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the thighs. On average, it takes about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook bone-in chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What seasonings can I use to flavor bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer?

You can use a variety of seasonings to flavor bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.