How long does it take to air fry chicken thighs?

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How Long Does It Take to Air Fry Chicken Thighs?

Air frying chicken thighs is a popular and delicious method to cook this type of chicken. But, how long does it actually take to air fry chicken thighs?

Direct Answer

In general, it takes 14-20 minutes to air fry chicken thighs, depending on the cooking level, temperature, and size of the thighs. However, this can vary greatly depending on the specific recipe, method, and desired level of crispiness. Keep reading to learn more about the optimal cooking times and tips for perfecting your air-fried chicken thighs.

Factors Affecting Air Frying Time

Size of Chicken Thighs: Larger thighs may require an extra 2-4 minutes of cooking time.

Temperature: Set the temperature between 170-200°F (75-95°C) for optimal cooking results. For crisper results, use 200°F (95°C).

Cooking Level: Use medium-high heat for crisper breading and medium-low heat for moisture retention.

Pre-Marinade: Thinning out marinades with extra time can help with air frying duration.

Number of Coats: Excess layering can increase cooking time, impacting crispiness.

Oven Type: Older models of air fryers might need less time, while newer ones with enhanced tech may require more time.


| Temperature (°F) | Cooking Level | Cooking Time (min) | Note |
| — | — | — |
| 170 | Medium-High | **14-16 min** | Initial crispiness, more juicy within |
| 175 | Medium-Low | **16-18 min** | Balanced crispiness, evenly coated |
| 185 | High | **12-14 min** | Enhanced crispiness, drier thigh |
| 200 | High | **14-16 min** | Exceptionally crispy, well-browned outer layer |

Recipe-Specific Adjustments

Herby French-Style Chicken: Remove excess moisture from herbs to air fry at 190°F (89°C) for 12-15 minutes with a crispy exterior and tender meat.
Spicy Korean-Style BBQ Chicken: Double-check and adjust cooking time (185°F/85°C), accounting for the marinade thickness: 10-14 minutes.
Classic Southern-Style BBQ Chicken: Air fry at 160°F (71°C) with an apple cider vinegar-based sauce and gentle stirring for 16-18 minutes until tender and lightly charred.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Air Frying

Initial Preparation:
– Brine chicken thighs before air frying for enhanced moisture retention: 30 minutes in water/garlic salt and time in the fridge.

  1. Dry Brining: Pat chicken dry within 30 minutes after refrigerated brining.

Marination Times:
– Plan accordingly depending on the marinade recipe’s recommendation (30 minutes to several days).

Temperature Adjustment:

  • For a crunchier base, increase temperature 2°-5°F (1.1°-2.8°C).

To achieve the perfect air-fried chicken thighs, consider these crucial adjustment factors and adjust accordingly to unlock the best results. With each trial, you’ll learn valuable insights to refine your cooking times to suit your taste and preference.

Summary:

Air frying chicken thighs typically takes 14-20 minutes depending on the factors mentioned. Take note of size, temperature, cooking level, pre-marinade, number of coats, oven type, temperature, and recipe-specific adjustments. Fine-tune your air frying by focusing on initial preparation, marination times, and temperature adjustments for those perfect, crispy, and tender result.

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