If you’re searching for a simple and hassle-free weeknight dinner option, give this air fryer chicken thighsrecipe a try. It requires only 7 basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it the ideal dinner solution for busy families. Enjoy these succulent chicken thighs with your preferred sides. If you need some ideas, check out the FAQ section where I’ve included some simple side dish recipes for inspiration.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need bone-in and skinless (or skin-on) chicken thighs (4 pieces), along with salt, pepper, paprika, ginger, and garlic powder. If you are using skin-on chicken thighs, you won’t need oil in spray
How to cook air fryer chicken thighs
This recipe requires only a few pieces of equipment and tools, including an air fryer and a small bowl and dessert spoon (or any utensil of your choice) for mixing the spice rub. The preparation process is simple, with only three steps.
Step 1: Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl.
Step 2: Thoroughly coat each piece of chicken with the seasoning mix on both sides, using all the mix for 4 thighs.
Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If using skinless chicken, spray with oil and turn over halfway through cooking.
To ensure your air fryer chicken thighs are fully cooked, I recommend using a food thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured by the thermometer. Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve.
Frequently asked cooking questions:
Can chicken thighs be stacked in an air fryer?
No, they cannot. The key to successful cooking in an air fryer is to ensure that the food has ample space around it to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. This may require cooking your food in multiple batches, especially when feeding a large group. As a reference, a 5.8-quart (5.5-liter) air fryer can accommodate 4-5 chicken thighs (I was able to fit 4 pieces, but an extra one could be added) or 3-4 chicken breasts, depending on their size.
How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?
The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer varies based on the model of the air fryer and the size of the chicken thighs. On average, it takes about 20 minutes to cook. If you prefer a crispy skin, you may need to cook for longer.
Is it necessary to flip chicken in the air fryer?
It depends on whether the chicken has skin on or not. If it has skin, it should be cooked skin-side up and flipping is not required. However, if the chicken is skinless, it is recommended to turn it over halfway through the cooking process.
What are some accompaniments for chicken thighs?
I personally enjoy serving these air fryer chicken thighs with a wedge salad and parmesan roasted potatoes. However, the options are endless and you can serve them with your favorite sides such as potato, rice, orzo pasta, or barley.
Expert advice
- Ensure that there is enough space in the air fryer to allow for even cooking by not overcrowding the basket.
- Consider preheating your air fryer for 2 minutes by manually setting the time and temperature. This may not be necessary with some models, so be sure to consult the manual for the best results.
- Seasoning is a crucial aspect of this recipe for air fryer chicken thighs, as it uses only a few ingredients. For optimal flavor, it is not recommended to omit any of the listed ingredients.
See here more delicious air fryer chicken thigh recipes .
