Of all the meals I make in my air fryer, and the list is long and growing by the day, chicken thighs are safely in the No. 1 spot, and there is no recipe threatening to dethrone. I make some version of this air fryer chicken thigh recipe at least twice a week, often more.
It often serves as a fast, low-carb lunch when sliced and thrown into a salad. Many evenings, I'll spin it into a more elevated meal, served with rice, noodles or potatoes and some vegetables.
Air fryer chicken thighs aren't just easy, but they come out perfectly every time. And with no shortage of interesting seasonings and sauces to doctor them up -- I often make them blackened, with curry or a gochujang sauce -- the variations are limitless.
Why chicken thighs are the perfect air fryer food
Chicken thighs are the perfect air fryer food.
Chicken thigh meat has a higher fat content than breast so there's very little chance of your chicken thighs drying out when cooked by an air fryer wild convection heat -- 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 cleanup after. Air fryer's typically have nonstick baskets that come clean with a few wipes of soapy hot water.
Even this small 2-quart air fryer holds four to five chicken thighs.
Here's how to make perfect 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.
It's practically impossible to screw up air fryer chicken thighs.
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 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 thighs before cooking in the air fryer?
Chicken breast 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 breast in the air fryer, I recommend breading them to keep the lean meat from drying out.
For more, here's a complete guide to air fryers and seven things I'll never cook in the air fryer again.