Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Bone-in)
Temperature
375°F
190°C
Time
25 min
4 thighs
Safe internal
165°F
74°C
If you want crispy skin, bone-in thighs are the ones. I learned to start them skin-side down so the fat renders and bastes the skin before I flip them - that one little trick made all the difference for me.
How to air fry chicken thighs (bone-in)
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the fresh chicken thighs (bone-in) to the basket. Lay them flat without overlapping.
- Cook for about 25 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro tip
Use a rack if possible to allow air to circulate underneath.
How to tell when it's done
I check the meat next to the bone, not touching it, for 165°F (74°C), and the skin should be deep golden and crisp. The bone slows the middle down, so I don't rush those last few minutes.
Safe internal temperature
Cook to 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 375°F for 25 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Air fryer chicken thighs (bone-in): FAQ
How long does it take to air fry chicken thighs (bone-in)?
Air fry chicken thighs (bone-in) at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 4 thighs in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry chicken thighs (bone-in) at?
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for chicken thighs (bone-in)?
A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.
What's the safe internal temperature for chicken thighs (bone-in)?
Cook chicken thighs (bone-in) to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.