What do I make in the air fryer? A better question might be what don't I make? I've roasted filets of salmon, crispy chickpeas for a full-of-protein snack and classics like fried chicken, burgers and hot dogs. The air fryer's superconvection heat makes food crispy and does it fast. Of all the recipes I make -- and there are dozens -- one finds its way into the rotation far more than the rest. Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is almost impossible to screw up, works as well or better than most other methods I've tried and you can doctor it with a different sauce or combination of spices every time.
Nearly any cut of chicken works well in the air fryer -- wings, naturally, but I've cooked whole chickens that cook up faster and crispier than in a wall oven. Chicken thighs, with their high fat content and quick cooking time just might be the easiest to make in the air fryer, and they can anchor any dinner (15-minute tacos, anyone?) or top a salad for lunch.
I did crunch the numbers and I've made this recipe well over 100 times in the 6 years I've owned an air fryer and I'm still not sick of it. Here's how to do it and why it works so well.
Why air fryer chicken thighs make the perfect easy meal
The air fryer can caramelize chicken skin as well as the broiler.
Chicken thigh meat has a higher fat content than breast so there's very little chance of your chicken thighs drying out when cooked with convection heat in an air fryer -- even if you accidentally leave them in too long. That makes them the perfect candidate for cooking in a blazing hot air fryer.
If the only recipe I was allowed to make in my air fryer was chicken thighs, I'd still buy one and give it the space on my counter. That's how much I like boneless skinless air fryer, chicken thighs, and how often they show up in my weekly meal routine.
And as with many of my favorite air fryer recipes, there's almost no mess to clean up after. Air fryers typically have nonstick baskets that come clean with a few wipes of soapy hot water.
Here's how to make air fryer chicken thighs in 15 minutes
- Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: Toss package of chicken thighs with seasoning mixture or simply with salt and pepper
- Step 3: Cook chicken thighs for 15 minutes, flipping them after 8 (cook longer if you like a crispier outside)
- Step 4: Let cool and serve over salad or with side of rice and vegetables.
You won't need more than 15 minutes to make this magic happen.
Do you need oil when cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer?
You don't need oil when cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer but a little won't hurt.
I've tried cooking air fryer chicken thighs with and without oil and they turn out great either way. There's enough fat content in thighs to cook without oil. And if you're using a sauce, there's really no need to add oil on top of it.
If you are planning to add cooking oil, don't use much. About a teaspoon per every four thighs should suffice.
Should you bread chicken before cooking in the air fryer?
Chicken breasts do better in the air fryer when breaded but thighs have enough fat content to do without.
Yes, I have and it's excellent for adding texture to this simple recipe. A quick coating of egg wash and breading gives air fryer chicken thighs a divine crunch but also adds some extra carbs and calories. It also makes for more dishes to wash after and a dirtier air fryer basket so I often go without. Use this method if you're making air fryer chicken Parmesan or for a fast fried chicken sandwich.
If you're cooking boneless chicken breasts in the air fryer, I recommend breading them to keep the lean meat from drying out.
Whether you're adding some cooking oil to the chicken thighs or breading your cuts before air frying them, you'll need to clean out your appliance afterward to make sure it keeps functioning efficiently the next time you want to cook a quick meal. Here's our complete guide to cleaning your air fryer, so that you can keep your cookware at the top of its game.
Even this small 2-quart air fryer holds four to five chicken thighs.
For more, here's a complete guide to air fryers and seven things I'll never cook in the air fryer again.
FAQs
How long should I fry my chicken thighs?
While this particular recipe calls for you to air fry the chicken thighs for 15 minutes, you'll get the best result if you flip them over about halfway through the cooking time. This will make sure you get an even crisp on the outside and help prevent the meat from drying out.
Can I bread chicken before air frying it?
Yes, you can bread your chicken thighs before cooking them in the air fryer. It adds some taste and texture to the recipe but be aware that the breading will definitely ensure that you'll need to do some extra cleaning when you're finished cooking.