Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Time & Temp Guide (Juicy & Crispy)
By Airfryer Conversion Chart Culinary Team • Reviewed on 2025-08-12
If you’re looking for juicy, crispy air fryer chicken thighs, start with a single layer, a preheated basket, and a flip at the halfway mark.
From testing in the Ninja AF101, Cosori Pro II, and Instant Vortex Plus, results were best at:
- Boneless/Skinless: 14–18 minutes at 380°F (193°C)
- Bone-in/Skin-on: 20–25 minutes at 400°F (204°C)
For oven recipes, use the oven to air fryer conversion rule: reduce temperature by 25°F and cooking time by ~20%. Or use our air fryer conversion chart and air fryer calculator for accurate settings.
For the reverse, see the air fryer to oven conversion method (+ time and temp adjustment).
Food safety: Chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C), but thighs are most tender between 175–185°F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute.
Pro tip for crispy skin: Pat thighs dry before cooking, season lightly, spray with oil, and finish 2 minutes at 400°F for extra crunch.
Additional Information
Cooking Variants
- • Boneless/Skinless: 14–18 min @ 380°F / 193°C
- • Bone-in/Skin-on: 20–25 min @ 400°F / 204°C
- • Extra crispy skin: +2 min final @ 400°F / 204°C
Brand Adjustments
- • ninja: ±0°F, time ×1
- • cosori: -5°F, time ×0.95
- • philips: ±0°F, time ×1.05
- • instant: 5°F, time ×1
Frozen Instructions
Cook from frozen: add 5–8 minutes. Preheat 3–4 min, cook 5 min to thaw surface, separate pieces, then finish.
Sauce Cautions
- • Sweet marinades (honey/BBQ) can burn above 390°F — brush on during the last 4 minutes.
- • Avoid heavy sauces at the start; add near the end of cooking.
Visual Doneness
- • Golden brown crispy skin; juicy meat inside.
- • Clear juices; no pink near the bone.
- • Thermometer: 175–185°F (79–85°C) for tender texture (safe at 165°F / 74°C).
Troubleshooting
- • Skin not crispy? Pat dry, add a light oil spray, finish 2 minutes at 400°F.
- • Dry meat? Reduce temp by 10°F and pull 2 minutes earlier; rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- • Uneven results? Arrange in a single layer and flip halfway.
Leftovers
Store up to 3 days. Reheat at 360–370°F (182–188°C) for 5–6 minutes; add a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Boneless/skinless: 14–18 min @ 380°F; bone-in/skin-on: 20–25 min @ 400°F. Flip halfway.
What’s the best temperature for air fryer chicken thighs?
380°F for boneless/skinless; 400°F for bone-in/skin-on to crisp the skin.
Can I cook chicken thighs from frozen?
Yes — add 5–8 min. Preheat, cook 5 min to loosen, separate pieces, then finish. Always check internal temperature.
What internal temp should chicken thighs reach?
Safe at 165°F (74°C), but thighs are juiciest around 175–185°F.
How do I convert oven recipes to air fryer for thighs?
Lower oven temp by ~25°F and reduce cook time by ~20%, or use our conversion chart/calculator.
How do I get crispy skin?
Dry the skin well, add a light oil spray, cook in a single layer, and finish 2 min at 400°F.