Cooking bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in an air fryer can result in deliciously crispy and juicy results. Here’s a basic recipe and some important notes to keep in mind:
Ingredients:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken Thighs:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve crispiness.
- Lightly brush the chicken thighs with olive oil or use cooking spray. This promotes browning and prevents sticking.
- Season the chicken thighs with your preferred seasonings. Be generous with the seasoning for extra flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to around 375-400°F (190-200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the Chicken Thighs:
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not crowded. If needed, cook in batches.
- Cooking Time:
- Cook the chicken thighs for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer model you’re using. It’s important to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Crisping the Skin:
- If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like after the cooking time, you can increase the temperature slightly and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Resting and Serving:
- Once the chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat juicy.
Notes:
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve even cooking and a crispier texture. It’s an essential step.
- Oil or Cooking Spray: Using a small amount of oil or cooking spray helps with browning and prevents sticking. You can also marinate the chicken thighs before cooking for added flavor.
- Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. You can try various spice blends to suit your taste preferences.
- Temperature and Time: Cooking times can vary between different air fryer models. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken thighs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Skin Crispiness: If you’re looking for extra crispy skin, you can pat the chicken skin dry and allow it to air dry in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This helps remove excess moisture, resulting in better crispiness.
- Safety: Always follow proper food safety guidelines when handling and cooking chicken. Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs from the air fryer!
