28-05-2025
I've Made This Air Fryer Meal More Than 100 Times and It Never Gets Old
There's really no meal I won't at least consider cooking in the air fryer . OK, maybe not pasta or soup but I make everything from filets of salmon to crispy chickpeas and even grill classics like burgers and dogs.
Despite all these air fryer success stories, there's one recipe that I come back to again and again. Air fryer chicken thighs are easy, fast and healthy and they can be doctored in countless ways with sauces and spices. You cook perfect air fryer chicken thighs for the rest of your life and not run out of flavor combinations to try.
Nearly any cut of chicken works well in these speedy super-convection ovens. I've done wings, of course, but also whole chickens that cook faster and crispier than using the wall oven. Boneless, skinless thighs just might be the easiest and they can anchor any dinner (15-minute tacos, anyone?) or top a salad for lunch.
I did rough math and I've made this recipe well over 100 times in the 5-plus years I've owned an air fryer and I'm still not sick of it.
Why air fryer chicken thighs make the perfect easy meal
The air fryer can caramelize chicken skin as well as the broiler.
Nattawat Jindamaneesirikul/Getty
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 cleanup after. Air fryers typically have nonstick baskets that come clean with a few wipes of soapy hot water.
Chicken thighs are the perfect air fryer food.
David Watsky/CNET
Here's how to make air fryer chicken thighs in 15 minutes
Step 1 : Preheat air fryer to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
: Preheat air fryer to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Step 2 : Toss package of chicken thighs with seasoning mixture or simply with salt and pepper
: 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)
: 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.
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.
Alina Bradford/CNET
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 breast do better in the air fryer when breaded but thighs have enough fat content to do without.
David Watsky/CNET
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.
Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive
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Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive
If you're cooking boneless chicken breast 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 afterwards to make sure it keeps functioning efficiently the next time you want to cook up 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.
David Watsky/CNET
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 around 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.
