My air fryer turkey recipe for every season is easy to make, tastes great, is healthy, and is so tasty that you’ll want to lick your fingers. This is an absolute favorite.
Air fryers have revolutionized cooking by offering a fast, healthy and convenient way to make deliciously crispy foods at home. Turkey thighs are a perfect candidate for the air fryer, becoming browned and tender in a fraction of the time of traditional oven roasting. But nailing the timing is key for perfectly cooked results. So how long should you cook turkey thighs in the air fryer?
Air Fryer Turkey Thigh Benefits
There are many advantages to cooking turkey thighs in an air fryer:
- Super fast cooking time – Done in 20-30 minutes
- Gets skin crispy without added oil or fat
- Promotes browning and caramelization of the skin
- Cooks the interior evenly, keeping meat juicy
- Infuses great roasted flavor
- Easy cleanup since it cooks in the basket
Air frying is great for getting weeknight dinners on the table fast The circulating hot air cooks thighs much quicker than the oven Let’s look at how to determine the best cooking times.
Air Fryer Turkey Thigh Timing
The air fryer cooking time for bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs is typically between 20-30 minutes at 380°F. The exact time needed will depend on:
- Thigh size – Larger thighs take longer
- Thigh thickness – Chubby thighs need more time
- Bone-in vs boneless – Boneless cooks faster
- Frozen vs. thawed – Add 3-5 minutes for frozen
- Air fryer wattage – Higher wattage fryers cook faster
For reference here are general guidelines for air fryer turkey thigh cook times
- Boneless thighs: 15-18 minutes at 380°F
- Bone-in thighs: 22-28 minutes at 380°F
- Larger/thicker thighs: Up to 30 minutes
- Frozen thighs: Add 3-5 minutes
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness rather than just guessing based on time The turkey thighs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these handy tips for juicy, tender air fryer turkey thighs with crisp skin:
- Pat the thighs dry before cooking
- Use a small amount of oil for browning
- Generously season thighs with salt, herbs and spices
- Allow space between thighs for air circulation
- Flip halfway during cooking
- Let rest 5 minutes before cutting to retain juices
##Flavorful Air Fryer Turkey Thigh Recipes
The air fryer lends itself well to all kinds of flavor profiles. Consider rubbing or marinating the thighs before air frying:
- Jerk Turkey Thighs – Rub with Jamaican jerk seasoning and lime juice
- Honey Sriracha Turkey Thighs – Brush with spicy sriracha and honey
- BBQ Turkey Thighs – Toss in your favorite barbecue sauce
- Herb Roasted Turkey Thighs – Coat with olive oil, garlic, rosemary and thyme
Let your imagination run wild with global spice blends, fresh herbs, zesty marinades and flavorful rubs.
Step-By-Step Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
Follow this simple process for foolproof air fryer turkey thighs:
- Pat turkey thighs dry and season all over
- Arrange in a single layer in air fryer basket
- Air fry at 380°F for 18-28 minutes, flipping halfway
- Check temperature to confirm 165°F doneness
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving
Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey Thighs Every Time
Cooking turkey thighs in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. With the right timing for your specific air fryer model and thigh size, you’ll enjoy tender, juicy meat with crispy browned skin in record time. Refer to these guidelines on approximating cook times. And always confirm temperature with a meat thermometer. In 20 minutes or less, you’ll be enjoying deliciously seasoned, air fried turkey thighs for a quick and easy dinner!
Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Recipe
If you need a quick dinner during the week or something quick and tasty for Thanksgiving, this air fryer turkey thigh is almost a sure thing. I love making it for my family because it is very easy to make and requires few ingredients. In addition, I love my turkey crispy. So, you can imagine my joy when I get to make this effortlessly all-in-one pot for clean-up.
How To Make Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
To make crispy and juicy turkey thighs, you don’t need a lot of ingredients. The combination of aromatics, bouillon cube, and a few herbs will make a divinely delicious turkey thigh. Here are my foolproof steps to help you make a perfect turkey thigh:
- Use water and lemon or vinegar (if you want) to wash the turkey thighs very well.
- Use paper towels to dry them off and get rid of any extra water. This will help you get some crispy skin.
- Combine all the seasoning in a small bowl.
- Then, cover the thigh with oil and then sprinkle it with the seasoning mix. Be sure to rub some under the skin too.
- Cover and allow the thighs to marinate for 30 minutes. If short of time, you can cook immediately.
- For 40 to 45 minutes, air fry the chicken with the skin side up at 375°F until the skin is golden and crisp and a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees. The time may be a little different depending on how big your thighs are.
- Let the meat rest for five to ten minutes after it’s done cooking before you serve it.
- Don’t forget to use an internal temperature thermometer. I use this thermometer.
- Because you are cooking raw turkey thighs, make sure you wash your hands well for hygiene reasons.
Whenever I am air frying my turkey thighs. The internal temperature gives me the assurance that my turkey is well done and juicy on the inside. When the internal temperature of your turkey is between 165 – 170°F, it is cooked to perfection.
Crispy-skin turkey thighs in the Air Fryer
FAQ
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