Ingredients · Proteins
Chicken thighs
Dark meat with enough fat to stay juicy under high air-fryer heat. Bone-in or boneless both crisp well when the skin can dry.
In the air fryer. Pat dry, space pieces so air can move, and finish with a short high-heat blast for crackling skin.
Nutrition
Typical values per 100g raw, skin-on
211kcal
- Protein
- 18g
- Fat
- 15g
- Carbs
- 0g
Approximate kitchen reference. Not a lab label. Brands and cuts vary.
Origin
Domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), raised worldwide. Thighs are the upper leg muscle. Richer and more forgiving than breast.
Herbal & culinary notes
A complete protein source. Skin-on cuts are higher in fat; trim or remove skin after cooking if you want a leaner plate.
How to store
Keep raw thighs refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 1-2 days of purchase, or freeze up to 9 months well wrapped. Thaw in the fridge, never on the counter.
Food safety
Cook to at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Dark meat is often preferred closer to 175°F near the bone for tenderness, but never serve undercooked poultry.
Food hazards
Raw chicken can carry Salmonella and Campylobacter. Use a separate board/knife, wash hands and surfaces after handling, and keep raw juices away from ready-to-eat food.
Recipes using Chicken thighs
Mexican · 400°F · 16 min
Air Fryer Al Pastor Chicken Tacos
Achiote, pineapple and chile on boneless thighs. The air fryer gives you the caramelized edges of a trompo without the spit.
Japanese · 375°F · 14 min
Air Fryer Chicken Karaage
Ginger-soy thighs in a potato-starch crust. Juicy inside, jagged outside: the air fryer's best argument against a wok of oil.
Greek · 380°F · 22 min
Air Fryer Greek Lemon Oregano Chicken
Bone-in thighs, lemon, garlic and dried oregano. Weeknight chicken with a taverna finish and pan juices for the potatoes.
Caribbean · 380°F · 28 min
Air Fryer Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Allspice, Scotch bonnet heat and thyme on bone-in thighs. Island char from a basket, not a drum.
Ethiopian · 380°F · 22 min
Air Fryer Ethiopian Berbere Chicken
Berbere-spiced chicken with garlic and lemon. Warm heat and deep red color without a long simmer.
Moroccan · 380°F · 22 min
Air Fryer Moroccan Harissa Chicken
Harissa, cumin and honey on chicken thighs. Sticky North African heat with crisp edges.
Filipino · 380°F · 26 min
Air Fryer Filipino Chicken Adobo
Soy-vinegar adobo chicken finished in the air fryer for sticky, bronzed skin.
Peruvian · 380°F · 28 min
Air Fryer Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa
Soy, ají, cumin and garlic on chicken. Rotisserie-style flavor without the spit.
Thai · 400°F · 12 min
Air Fryer Thai Basil Chicken
Crispy air-fried chicken tossed in a garlic-chile-basil sauce. Pad krapow energy without a wok blaze.