How Long to Cook Turkey Thighs in an Air Fryer for Juicy, Tender Results

Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make crispy and delicious foods without all the added oil of traditional frying. One of the most common questions about air frying is how long to cook turkey thighs in an air fryer. With the right timing and technique air fried turkey thighs can come out tender juicy, and full of flavor. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how long to cook turkey thighs in an air fryer along with some recipe ideas to try.

What is an Air Fryer and Why Cook Turkey in One?

An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that uses hot air circulated at high speed to cook food, The rapid air circulation allows foods to become very crispy and browned without submerging them in oil Air fryers can cook foods significantly faster than a traditional oven

Cooking turkey thighs in an air fryer provides many benefits:

• Turkey thighs come out crispy and browned on the outside with a juicy interior The air fryer helps render the fat and skin for crispiness

• Cooking is faster compared to roasting in the oven. Turkey thighs can be done in 20-30 minutes in an air fryer.

• The turkey thighs have a delicious flavor as the hot air circulates around them, almost like a convection oven.

• Air frying is a healthier cooking method since no oil is required to crisp up the turkey skin.

How Long to Cook Turkey Thighs in an Air Fryer

The cooking time for air fryer turkey thighs can vary based on the size and thickness of the thighs as well as the wattage of your particular model. Here are some general air fryer cooking time guidelines:

• Boneless turkey thighs: Cook for 15-18 minutes at 380°F.

• Bone-in turkey thighs: Cook for 22-28 minutes at 380°F.

• Larger, thicker thigh pieces: May need 30 minutes or more.

• Frozen turkey thighs: Add 3-5 minutes more to the cooking time.

Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying solely on time. The turkey thighs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If they are not yet at the right temperature, continue cooking and checking the temperature every few minutes until they are ready.

Tips for Cooking Juicy, Tender Turkey Thighs in an Air Fryer

Follow these simple tips for the best air fried turkey thighs:

• Pat the turkey thighs dry before seasoning and cooking. Excess moisture can prevent crisping.

• Brush or rub the turkey skin with a small amount of oil. This helps promote browning and crisping.

• Season the thighs well with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. Flavorings will intensify during air frying.

• Arrange the thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between pieces.

• Flip the thighs halfway during cooking for even browning and cooking.

• Allow thighs to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• Add roasted veggies like potatoes or brussels sprouts to cook alongside the turkey for a complete meal.

Delicious Air Fryer Turkey Thigh Recipes to Try

Air fried turkey thighs pair well with a wide variety of seasonings and flavors. Here are some tasty recipe ideas:

Simple Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

• Season turkey thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and garlic.
• Air fry at 380°F for 18-22 minutes until 165°F.

Air Fryer BBQ Turkey Thighs

• Toss turkey thighs in barbecue sauce and seasonings.
• Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with more sauce halfway.

Air Fryer Jerk Turkey Thighs

• Marinate thighs in Jamaican jerk seasoning and lime juice for 2-4 hours.
• Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Turkey Thighs

• Brush thighs with sriracha, honey, and soy sauce mixture.
• Air fry at 380°F for 18-22 minutes until done.

Air Fryer Greek Turkey Thighs

• Season thighs with lemon, oregano, garlic and olive oil.
• Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes until 165°F internal temperature.

Get Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Every Time

Cooking turkey thighs in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious weeknight dinner on the table. With the right timing and temperature, your air fried turkey will come out moist, tender, and full of flavor. Refer to the guidance on approximate cook times and always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Once you’ve mastered the air fryer method, experiment with different seasonings and spice rubs to keep your recipes exciting. Enjoy your easy air fried turkey thighs!