Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Thighs
These air fryer bone-in chicken thighs make the perfect family dinner for hectic weeknights. They are easy to prepare, cook quickly, and turn out tender inside with crispy skin on the outside.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs (2 ¼ lbs / 1 kilo)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp sumac
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Take the chicken thighs out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry skin cooks better in the air fryer.
- Place the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and sumac in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and rub the seasoning over all sides of the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken Thighs
- Set your air fryer to 200°C / 390°F. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Leave space between them so air can circulate.
- Cook for 12 minutes, then turn the thighs skin side up. Continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes.
- Cooking time depends on the size of the thighs and your air fryer model. Larger thighs may need a few extra minutes.
Checking for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part near the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C. If the skin needs a little more colour, cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the basket. If needed, cook in batches. Good airflow matters in an air fryer.
- Flip the chicken halfway through. This helps both sides cook evenly and prevents uneven browning.
- If your air fryer runs hot, check the chicken a few minutes early. Some models cook faster than others.
- Season generously but simply. Bone in thighs already have a lot of natural richness, so heavy seasoning is not needed.