How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer?
When it comes to cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer, one of the most common questions people ask is "How long do I need to cook them?" The answer, however, is not a simple one. The cooking time of chicken thighs in the air fryer depends on several factors, including the size of the thighs, the temperature, and the level of doneness you prefer.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Before we dive into the specific cooking times, it’s essential to understand the factors that affect the cooking time of chicken thighs in the air fryer:
- Size of the chicken thighs: Larger thighs will take longer to cook than smaller ones.
- Temperature: Cooking at a higher temperature will result in a shorter cooking time, while cooking at a lower temperature will result in a longer cooking time.
- Level of doneness: If you prefer your chicken thighs to be cooked to a certain level of doneness, such as medium-rare or well-done, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Air fryer model: Different air fryer models may have varying cooking times due to differences in their heating elements and cooking chambers.
Cooking Times for Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Here are some general guidelines for cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer:
- Small chicken thighs (about 1-2 pounds):
- Medium-rare: 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Medium: 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Well-done: 18-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Medium-sized chicken thighs (about 2-3 pounds):
- Medium-rare: 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Medium: 18-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Well-done: 20-22 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Large chicken thighs (about 3-4 pounds):
- Medium-rare: 18-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Medium: 20-22 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
- Well-done: 22-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the perfect cook:
- Pat dry the chicken thighs: Before cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the air fryer cook the chicken more evenly.
- Use a thermometer: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for medium-rare, 170°F (77°C) for medium, and 175°F (80°C) for well-done.
- Shake the basket: Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken thighs from sticking to the basket.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook the chicken thighs in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
Comparison Table: Cooking Times for Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
| Chicken Thigh Size | Medium-Rare | Medium | Well-Done | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (1-2 pounds) | 12-15 minutes | 15-18 minutes | 18-20 minutes | 375°F (190°C) |
| Medium (2-3 pounds) | 15-18 minutes | 18-20 minutes | 20-22 minutes | 375°F (190°C) |
| Large (3-4 pounds) | 18-20 minutes | 20-22 minutes | 22-25 minutes | 375°F (190°C) |
Conclusion
Cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to understand the factors that affect the cooking time. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time. Remember to pat dry the chicken thighs, use a thermometer, shake the basket, and don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure the best results. Happy cooking!