Air Fryer Bone In Chicken Thighs
I make this Bone In Chicken Thighs recipe in my Air Fryer very frequently because it's such an easy, budget-friendly, delicious recipe that I can put together in just a few minutes. Perfect for week nights when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen but also crave a good high-protein meal.
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Why add baking powder?
Baking powder helps to crisp up the chicken skin better. It helps to pull out the water that's trapped in the skin cells. Which leads to crispier skin. Also, baking powder is slightly alkaline. This helps to break down the protein in the skin, making it a rougher surface, which also helps to get it crisper and browner.
Can I substitute with baking soda?
Baking soda is more alkaline than baking powder. And also has a soapy taste to it. There are instances where we use it in very small amounts, especially in Asian dishes where you want to tenderize tough meat. But it won't help us to have a crunchy skin in this recipe. So I do not recommend substituting baking soda for baking powder.
Air Fryer Temperature and Time
The time it takes to Air Fry chicken thighs can vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs. Also, after using four air fryers, I can safely say that it depends on the brand and model as well. Especially if you have a compact air fryer, they heat up pretty quickly, and they cook food much faster than the large air fryers. I currently use a 6.8-qt Nuwave air fryer. I usually air fry chicken thighs for about 20 minutes at 380F. But I sometimes add more time depending on how thick the chicken thighs are. And I always use an instant thermometer to check the doneness.
Servings Ideas with Bone in Chicken Thighs
I love to make them for dinner. I try to pair them up with steamed or roasted vegetables or potatoes. They are great to serve with a salad. Pair with your favorite salad. I also like to serve it over jasmine rice, which helps soak up all the delicious juices.
You can also cut it up or shred it and use it in burritos, wraps, and sandwiches as well.
Other Air Fryer Recipes to try
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings
Chicken drumsticks in Air fryer
I hope you give this super-easy Air Fryer Bone In Chicken thighs recipe a try. It makes such a great quick weeknight dinner.
My go-to Air Fryer Chicken thighs recipe with the most delicious crispy skin.
- 4 Bone-in Skin-on Chicken thighs
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3/4 tsp Salt (adjust to your taste if needed)
- 1 1/2 tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning (salt-free)
- 1 tsp Granulated garlic/garlic powder
- 1 tsp Granulated onion/onion powder
- 3/4 tsp Baking Powder (NOT baking soda)
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix salt, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic, and onion.
reduce the amount of salt, if your lemon pepper seasoning has salt already added to it.Generously coat the chicken thighs with the seasoning mix.
Sprinkle the baking powder just over the chicken skin as evenly as possible (no need to rub it in). Let the chicken marinate for about 20 minutes if you have time.
This helps to get the skin nice and crispy
Spray the basket with a very thin coating of oil. Air Fry skin side down for 10 minutes at 385 °F/195 °C. Then flip the chicken and air fry again for another 8 - 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked all the way through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when you test with an instant thermometer.
