How long to cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer? Instructions, rub recipe, and tips on how to cook a perfect chicken thigh in the air fryer.
Cooking Bone-In Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer
I love my air fryer. I have come a long way from being afraid to take it out of the box to using it daily. It has been a game-changer for me.
Indeed, these compact kitchen appliances have changed how I cook, from deep-frying to cooking my Lechon Kawali in the air fryer, from cooking my Kare kare stove to cooking it in my Instant Pot Air fryer.
Promising crispy and delicious results with significantly less oil. Bone-in chicken thighs are a favorite among the myriad dishes that can be prepared using an air fryer.
In this post, I share how I cook bone-in chicken thighs to perfection in your air fryer, what spices I use to have the best bone-in chicken thigh and ensure they are tender, juicy, and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheap- Bone-in chicken thighs are more affordable than any other chicken meat.
- Quick -compared to baking and cooking stove top, air frying halves cooking time.
- No mess– I used my air fryer because there’s not a lot of oil splatter everywhere. One example is this Crispy and easy Chinese pork belly cooked in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients for Bone in Chicken Thigh
Before we delve into the intricacies of air frying, starting with the right ingredients is essential. Choosing the perfect bone-in chicken thighs is the first step towards a mouthwatering dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs from a reputable source. Look for plump thighs with smooth, unblemished skin. Ensure they are well-trimmed and free of excess fat, which can lead to undesirable splattering during cooking.
What’s Available in the Pantry?
There is no grocery run on this recipe today. I have a huge batch of bone in the chicken thigh, which my daughter willingly gave to me.
- 4 Bone-in Chicken Thigh
- Ground pepper
- Onion Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano Leaves
- Oyster sauce
Preparing Your Chicken Thighs
Above is the seasoning I use in this recipe, but you can use your favorite seasoning. You can use the Carne Asada Spice Seasoning or any store-bought seasoning you have on hand. You can also make the chicken spicy by adding Gochugaru. It will add a spicy kick to the chicken.
Instructions on how long to cook bone in chicken thighs in air fryer
Remember that cooking times may vary, so using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your bone-in chicken thighs are safely cooked and deliciously tender.
To cook bone-in chicken thighs, you can follow these general guidelines:
- No need to Preheat the air fryer
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with my homemade Gochugaru rub and thoroughly coat the chicken with the rub. You can also use your choice of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other preferred spices. You can also marinate them for extra flavor if you have time.
- Place in the air fryer basket- spray the air fryer basket with the cooking spray. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs, leaving some space between each piece.
How long to cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer
- Air fry: Push the air fryer button setting, set the temperature to 375 F, and cook the chicken thighs for 15 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of the thighs and your oven, so it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Check for doneness: The chicken thighs are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone to check the temperature. If it hasn’t reached 165°F, continue baking and check every 5 minutes until it does.
- Rest and serve: Once the chicken thighs reach the correct temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting before serving redistributes the juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
Tips
- Arrangement
When it comes to air frying chicken thighs, proper placement is vital. Lay the marinated chicken thighs. This arrangement allows maximum air circulation, resulting in an evenly cooked, crispy exterior.
- Checking Doneness
Ensure your chicken thighs are 165°F (74°C). However, if you desire an even juicier and tender result, you can cook it until it reaches 175°F (80°C).
Serving Suggestions
- While the bone-in chicken thighs are cooking in the air fryer, take the opportunity to prepare some nutritious side dishes. Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or quinoa make excellent accompaniments to your chicken thighs. These sides add texture and balance to your meal.
- Before serving, remember to garnish your bone-in chicken thighs with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Adding garnish enhances the presentation.
Proper Storage for Bone-In Chicken Thighs
When storing bone-in chicken thighs, it’s essential to follow proper. Here are some steps to help you keep your chicken thighs effectively:
- Refrigerate- After purchasing or cooking bone-in chicken thighs, place them in the refrigerator if you plan to wait to consume them. You are keeping your chicken safe.
- Use Airtight Containers–Store the chicken thighs in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to prevent moisture loss and exposure to other foods in your fridge. Using an airtight container prevents cross-contamination and maintains the chicken’s quality.
- Label and Date–Label the containers or bags with the storage date to keep track of freshness. Labeling helps you identify how long the chicken thighs have been in the refrigerator.
- Store in the Coldest Part–Place the chicken thighs in the coldest part of your refrigerator, usually the back of the lower shelves. Refrigeration ensures they stay at a safe temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Avoid the Fridge Door–Refrain from storing chicken thighs in the refrigerator door. The temperature fluctuates each time the door is opened, compromising the chicken’s safety and freshness.
How long to cook bone-in chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer VOrtex 6 Quart
- 1 tong
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bone-in Chicken thighs
Make the Rub
- 1 tsp Black Ground Pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano Leaves
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a medium-sized bowl and pat dry using a paper towel.
Make the Rub
- Mix the Ground pepper, Oyster sauce, dried Oregano leaves, garlic, and onion powder. Rub it all over the chicken thighs. Put rub under the skin, too.
Prepare the Air Fryer
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick oil and arrange the chicken thighs. Spray the chicken thighs with nonstick oil also. Insert the air fryer basket. Push the air fryer button setting. Set the temperature to 375 F and set the timer to fifteen minutes.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning. The above list is my seasoning preference. Adjust the tastes by mixing the ingredients in a smaller amount first, then add more if you want.
- Start checking the doneness at twelve minutes.
- Broil for ten more minutes if you want.
- Prepare the chicken thigh by rubbing it with the rub and let it sit in the fridge overnight, or if you are in a hurry, you can air fry immediately.
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