The Best air fryer chicken thighs in 2026

In an everyday, busy schedule, it will be difficult for most American families to make crispy chicken thighs on the stove. Due to the time limitations, most families in the U.S. use the best air fryer chicken thighs.

So, most busy families, health-conscious individuals, meal makers, beginners, and others who want to make crispy chicken thighs on time might use this Ninja Max XL air fryer. 

The air fryer changed the American cooking system. Hot air circulation makes chicken skin crispy and reduces excess fat. So no oil is required, and the meat will be tasty, and the outside skin will turn a golden color.

If you want to test the varieties of air fryers, you may find your favorite air fryer below and choose the right air fryer for your kitchen and cooking technique.

14 Best air fryer chicken thighs comparison table

Image	Brand	Key Features	Price
	Tastee	Product Name: Tastee One-Touch Air Fryer Dehydrator Brand: Tastee Price Range: 79–109 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Even basket airflow for steady chicken cooking	Buy on Amazon ;
	Emeril	Product Name: Emeril Lagasse Convection Toaster Oven Brand: Emeril Lagasse Price Range: 169–229 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Multi-rack convection for large chicken batches	Buy on Amazon ;
	TurboBlaze	Product Name: TurboBlaze Ceramic Coating Air Fryer Brand: TurboBlaze Price Range: 89–129 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: The Ceramic basket prevents food from sticking.	Buy on Amazon ;
	Oster	Product Name: Hamilton Beach Countertop Convection Toaster Oven Brand: Hamilton Beach Price Range: 99–149 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Small convection oven for simple chicken cooking	Buy on Amazon ;
	Ninja	Product Name: Ninja Max Crisp Air Fryer – 4 Quart Brand: Ninja Price Range: 99–179 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Strong basket airflow that crisps chicken skin quickly	Buy on Amazon ;
	Ninja	Product Name: Ninja FlexBasket Dual Zone Air Cooker – 10 Quart Brand: Ninja Price Range: 169–249 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: The wide basket allows many chicken thighs to cook.	Buy on Amazon ;
	Ninja	Product Name: Ninja Flip-Up Convection Air Fryer Oven—Large Capacity Brand: Ninja Price Range: 179–299 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Rear fan cooks chicken evenly across flat racks	Buy on Amazon ;
	Chefman	Product Name: Chefman Rotisserie Dehydrator Air Fryer Oven Brand: Chefman Price Range: 139–189 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Rotating airflow cooks chicken evenly on all surfaces	Buy on Amazon ;
	Instant	Product Name: Instant Vortex Plus Fryer Pot– 6 Quart Brand: Instant Price Range: 99–129 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Balanced airflow crisps chicken evenly in basket	Buy on Amazon ;
	Chefman	Product Name: Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer – 8 Quart Brand: Chefman Price Range: 109–149 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Wide basket cooks multiple chicken thighs.	Buy on Amazon ;
	Instant	Product Name: Instant Pot Multi-Program Air Fryer – 6 Quart Brand: Instant Pot Price Range: 119–159 Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Preset programs simplify chicken thigh cooking	Buy on Amazon ;
	Chefman	Product Name: Chefman Dual Basket Air Fryer – 9 Quart Brand: Chefman Price Range: 149–189 Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: Two baskets cook chicken separately at once.	Buy on Amazon ;
	Ninja	Product Name: Ninja Max XL Air Fryer – 5.5 Quart Brand: Ninja Price Range: 119–159 USD Warranty: 1-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: High heat crisps chicken thighs quickly	Buy on Amazon ;
	COSORI	Product Name: COSORI Smart Programmable Air Fryer – 5.8 Quart Brand: COSORI Price Range: 109–149 USD Warranty: 2-year limited Key Cooking Advantage: App control manages temperature and timing automatically	Buy on Amazon ;

14 Best air fryer chicken thighs

Tastee One-Touch Air Fryer Dehydrator — 6 Quart

The Tastee One-Touch Air Fryer basket is made for everyday home use. It works well for skin-on and bone-in chicken thighs. Hot air moves around the food. Most users from Florida, at 14%, and Ohio, at 11%, install it easily on a kitchen countertop. 

Cooking Performance

• Skin stays crisp during cooking.
• Bone cooks fully inside.
• Marinade spreads over chicken.
• Air reaches all sides.
• Meat stays moist.

For cooking, set the air fryer to 380°F. Cook the chicken for about 20 minutes. Change the chicken’s position once at the halfway point. Always check quality with an internal temperature check. The meat stays juicy inside while the outside becomes nicely crisp.

Control and Finish

• Uses little cooking oil.
• Space prevents steam buildup.
• Heat boosts the final crisp.
• Sauce added near the end.
• Rest keeps skin firm.

Why People Will Purchase It

People buy this air fryer because it is easy to use, fits small kitchens, and cooks chicken thighs. It makes toasted chicken thighs for daily meals.

Pro Tip: Dry the chicken layers before adding the marinade, so hot air helps the seasoning stick better during early cooking.

Emeril Extra-Large Air Fryer Toaster Oven – 26 Quart

The Emeril Lagasse Convection Toaster Oven is an air fryer made for larger meals. It offers enough space for heavy cooking. Heat moves across multiple racks. Most buyers from Texas at 19% and California at 16% place it on counters. 

Cooking Performance

• Holds many chicken pieces at once.
• Air flows between pieces.
• Skin cooks evenly everywhere.
• Marinade stays on the chicken.
• Heat spreads across racks.

Set the oven to around 400°F for chicken thighs. Total cook time stays near 25 minutes. Rotate racks once midway. Meat stays moist inside. The outside forms firm skin across all pieces.

Control and Finish

• Add only a small amount of oil.
• Leave space so steam can escape.
• Brush the sauce on during the last minutes.
• The outside becomes evenly brown.
• Let the chicken rest before eating.

Why People Will Purchase It

Purchasers choose this model for cooking a large quantity of chicken thighs skin side. It saves time, fits family meals, and keeps the crispy skin across large portions.

Pro Tip: Place the chicken on the middle rack first, then move it higher near the end to improve the surface color evenly.

TurboBlaze Premium Ceramic-Coating Air Fryer – 6 Quart

The TurboBlaze Ceramic Coating Air Fryer is a basket air fryer for easy daily meals. The ceramic basket makes it easy to release the chicken. It fits most kitchen counters. Buyers often use it in Arizona at 13% and in Nevada at 9%.

Cooking Performance

• Chicken does not stick while cooking.
• Pieces stay flat in the basket.
• Hot air surrounds each piece.
• Skin cooks at the same speed.
• Marinade remained on the chicken.

For making chewy chicken thighs in the air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 20 minutes total. Turn the chicken once in the middle. Check if it is fully cooked before serving. The inside stays soft, and the outside becomes lightly crisp and browned.

Control and Finish

• Only a little oil is needed.
• Leave space between chicken pieces.
• Brush the sauce near the cooking end.
• The outside color looks even.
• Rest the chicken for five minutes.

Why People Will Purchase It

People buy this air fryer because food does not stick, it is easy to clean, and the size works well for regular chicken meals.

Pro Tip: Use a soft silicone brush for oil and sauce to protect the ceramic coating and keep the basket shiny longer.

Oster Digital Convection Oven – Stainless Steel – XL

The Hamilton Beach Countertop Convection Toaster Oven is a small oven on your counter. Chicken thighs cook on a flat tray. Heat moves around the food. Mostly used in Michigan at 12% and Oregon at 9% for small kitchens.

Cooking Performance

• The chicken rests flat on the tray.
• Space lets heat move around.
• Heat cooks top and bottom.
• Skin slowly turns golden.
• Marinade stays on the chicken.

To cook burnt chicken thighs, set the oven close to 400°F. Cooking usually takes about 25 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken. Check that the chicken is fully cooked. The inside stays soft, and the outside becomes firm, not burnt.

Control and Finish

• Only a little oil is needed.
• Leave space between pieces.
• Brush the sauce near the end.
• The outside color turns into a gold color.
• Rest the chicken before cutting.

Why People Will Purchase It

People buy this oven because it fits on the counters, uses simple dials, and cooks chicken thighs easily.

Pro Tip: Place the tray in the middle first, then move it higher for the last few minutes to brown the skin better.

Ninja Rapid-Crisp Air Fryer – Black – 4 Quart

The Ninja Max Crisp is a small basket-style air fryer made for quick meals. Chicken thighs sit inside a basket, and hot air blows around. This model fits small kitchens perfectly. It is regularly used in Florida at 15% and in Arizona at 11%.

Cooking Performance

• Bone-in thighs fit without pressing together.
• Hot air hits skin from all sides.
• Marinade stays on the chicken, not dripping.
• Heat remains strong during cooking.
• Skin dries and turns crisp.

Set the air fryer temperature to 390°F to cook chicken thighs. It will take 22 to 24 minutes to cook crunchy chicken. Flip each thigh once halfway through cooking. Always check for 165°F inside. The meat stays juicy, and the skin becomes firm and crunchy.

Technique & Finish Control

• Use only a light oil spray.
• Keep space between each thigh.
• Brush the sauce near the final minutes.
• Increase the heat briefly for browning.
• Rest the chicken before cutting.

Why People Will Purchase It

People choose this air fryer because it cooks chicken thighs easily, creates crispy skin, and fits small counters, making it easy to use for daily home cooking.

Pro Tip: Dry the chicken flesh completely before cooking, so the strong airflow can crisp the skin faster without needing extra oil.

Ninja DualZone Air Fryer – Grey – 10 Quart

The Ninja FlexBasket Dual Zone is a large air cooker made to cook chicken wings. It uses a spacious basket with a removable internal divider. Chicken will spread out for better cooking. This size works well for families. It is often used in Texas at 19% and in Ohio at 13%.

Cooking Performance Highlights

• The basket is wide, so the chicken does not stack.
• Divider removal gives full cooking space.
• Hot air moves across all chicken pieces.
• Skin cooks evenly without dark patches.
• Marinade stays on the chicken, not burned.

Raise the heat of the air cooker to 380°F to cook chicken thighs. Cooking time is about 24 to 26 minutes total. Flip each piece once while cooking. Always check the inside. If it reaches 165°F and the meat stays moist, so the skin becomes firm and cooked.

Technique & Finish Control

• Remove the divider for large chicken pieces.
• Leave space so air can move.
• Add sauce only near the end.
• Raise the heat shortly for better color.
• Remove the chicken before cutting.

Why People Will Purchase It

Folks buy this air fryer because it cooks chicken thighs in one go, saving time for families.

Pro Tip: When cooking chicken thighs, remove the divider so hot air flows freely and cooks every piece at the same speed.

Ninja Dual-Heat Air Fry Oven – Stainless Steel – SP151

The Ninja Flip-Up is an oven-style air fryer. Chicken thighs cook on flat racks, and a fan at the back moves hot air across the food. After cooking, the unit folds upward to clear counter space.

Cooking Performance

• Chicken lies flat on metal racks.
• The back fan blows hot air forward.
• Heat reaches the top and bottom.
• Skin colors slowly without burning.
• Marinade stays on the chicken.

Heat the oven to 400°F. Put the chicken thighs on the rack. Start cooking. After halftime, flip each piece. Keep cooking until a thermometer shows 165°F. This means the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Technique & Finish Control

• Place the rack in the middle first.
• Leave gaps between chicken pieces.
• Brush the sauce only near the end.
• Move the rack higher for browning.
• Put down the chicken before cutting.

Why People Will Purchase It

Individuals buy this microwave oven because it holds more chicken thighs than basket models, cooks like a real oven, and folds upward after use to free counter space.

Pro Tip: Cook on the middle rack first, then raise the rack for the final minutes to brown the skin without drying the meat.

Chefman Multifunction Rotisserie Air Fryer – Black – 10.5 Quart

The Chefman Rotisserie is a stainless-steel air-heating baker. Chicken thighs will attach to a rotating spit. Hot air moves around the chamber. The upright shape fits narrow counters. Usage of this oven reaches 16% in the Midwest and 11% in Florida.

Cooking Performance

• Chicken meat stays open to hot air.
• A rotating sp​​it turns the chicken while cooking.
• Heat comes from every side.
• Open racks let steam leave the chicken.
• Marinate sticks instead of dripping.

Adjust the oven to 380°F before cooking chicken thighs. Place them in one layer with space between pieces. Cook thighs for 28 to 32 minutes. Rotate the chicken after halftime. Check the thickest part with a thermometer to reach 165°F, and ensure firm skin so the meat stays soft.

Technique & Finish Control

• The center rack balances heat from both sides.
• Space between racks improves air movement.
• Sauce brushed late prevents sugar burning.
• Short heat increase deepens surface color.
• Resting time locks juices inside the meat.

Why People Will Purchase It

Visitors buy this air frying device for its tall interior, rotisserie capability, and ability to cook several chicken thighs.

Pro Tip: Begin with rotisserie mode, then switch to stationary heat near the end to improve skin texture without drying the meat.

Instant 7-in-1 Air Fryer – Black – 10 Quart

The Instant Vortex Plus is a basket air fryer with a pull-out drawer. Place the chicken thighs inside the basket, and the hot air moves around the food to cook it. Most homeowners in Texas are at 15%, and in Ohio, at 12%, and place this fryer on the kitchen counters.

Cooking Performance

• Chicken stays flat in the basket.
• Hot air cooks all sides.
• Heat does not change suddenly.
• Water steam goes out.
• Spices stay on chicken.

Set the air fryer to 400°F before cooking chicken thighs. Place the chicken inside and cook for 22 to 25 minutes. Turn each piece once halfway. Check with a thermometer until it reaches 165°F. The meat stays juicy, and the skin becomes lightly crisp.

Technique & Finish Control

• Put the chicken in one layer.
• Leave space between pieces.
• Add the sauce at the end.
• Turn the heat up briefly.
• Wait before cutting the chicken.

Why People Will Purchase It

Purchasers choose this frying machine for night cooking, simple controls, and reliable results with chicken thighs.

Pro Tip: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to hot-air crisp, and the skin will cook faster inside the basket.

Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer – Black – 8 Quart

The Chefman TurboFry is a large basket made for family cooking. You place the chicken thighs flat inside the basket. Heat comes from the bottom and cooks all pieces. Many homes use it, including California at 14% and New York at 10%.

Cooking Performance

• Chicken stays flat in the basket.
• Heat cooks from the bottom.
• Wide space keeps pieces separate.
• Steam leaves through the basket holes.
• Seasoning stays on chicken.

Keep the air fryer heat to 390°F before cooking chicken thighs. Cook them for 24 to 27 minutes, based on size. After half an hour, flip each piece of chicken so that it will crisp. Check with a thermometer until it reads 165°F. The meat stays moist, and the skin becomes tender.

Technique & Finish Control

• Put chicken in one layer.
• Leave space between pieces.
• Add sauce at the end.
• Turn the heat up shortly.
• Let the chicken rest before eating.

Why People Will Purchase It

The users choose this model for its large basket, simple controls, and ability to cook several chicken thighs.

Pro Tip: Shake the basket before flipping to loosen skin and improve browning across all pieces.

Instant Programmable Air Fryer – Vortex – Black – 10 Quart

This Instant Pot air fryer has preset programs, so it operates automatically. Place the chicken thighs inside a pull-out basket and let the machine heat properly. Users frequently purchase it from Illinois at 13% and Arizona at 9% and put it into small kitchens.

Cooking Performance

• Press a button to start cooking.
• The basket pulls out easily.
• Heat stays the same.
• Chicken cooks automatically.
• Same result every time.

To make tasty chicken thighs, heat the frying machine to 385°F. Cooking usually takes 23 to 26 minutes, depending on thickness. After halftime, flip the chicken piece. 

Test the center with a thermometer until it reaches 165°F. So, the skin remains moist on the inside, and the outside will turn gold. 

Technique & Finish Control

• Pick one cooking button.
• Do not pile chicken.
• Turn the chicken once.
• Add sauce near the end.
• Wait before cutting the chicken.

Why People Will Purchase It

Customers buy it for preset buttons, making chicken thighs easy for busy homes that want happy cooking with daily meals.

Pro Tip: Use the preset first, then adjust the time manually near the end to fine-tune browning without drying the chicken pores well.

Chefman Dual-Window Air Fryer – Black – 8 Quart

The Chefman Dual Basket frying machine uses two cooking drawers. Chicken thighs cook in divided baskets with their own heat. This layout suits busy kitchens. Dual-zone cooking is popular in Pennsylvania at 12% and Georgia at 9%.

Cooking Performance

• Two baskets cook food separately
• Each side controls heat alone
• Chicken cooks without mixing flavors
• Air moves inside both baskets
• Skin cooks evenly on each side

For crispy thighs, set the temperature to 390°F. Normal baking time will be 24 to 28 minutes, based on size. After halftime, flip each piece once. Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F inside so the inside of the meat remains moist, and the outside skin will remain firm.

Technique & Finish Control

• Place thighs in separate baskets.
• Do not overcrowd either side.
• Toss the chicken once halfway.
• Add sauce near the cooking end.
• Rest the chicken before serving.

Why People Will Purchase It

Visitors buy this model to cook two batches at the same time, save time during meals, and keep separate flavors. baskets, independent controls, visual monitoring, and efficient split cooking that simplifies timing when preparing different foods together for busy households.

Pro Tip: Use one basket slightly hotter near the end to deepen skin color while the other finishes gently.

Ninja Max XL Air Fryer – Grey – 5.5 Quart

The Ninja Max XL is a frying machine designed for high-heat cooking. Chicken thighs are placed in a spacious area and heated properly. People in Washington at 13% and in Colorado at 10% place it into their nearby kitchen areas.

Cooking Performance

• The basket has space for each piece.
• The heat starts quickly after turning on.
• Hot air helps skin turn firm.
• Air moves around the chicken.
• Juice stays inside the meat.

So to make perfect air fryer chicken breast, set the oven heat to 400°F. Fry it for 20 to 24 minutes, depending on size, and then flip it after half an hour. Check the center with a thermometer for 165°F to make the meat chewy and tasty.

Technique & Finish Control

• Heat the fryer before cooking.
• Lay chicken in one layer.
• Just rotate the chicken once.
• Increase the heat near the end.
• Wait before cutting the chicken.

Why People Will Purchase It

Residents choose this cooker for fast cooking, strong heat, and reliable crisp results, especially when making chicken thighs on busy nights with limited kitchen space.

Pro Tip: Pat the chicken dry before cooking; the high heat crisps the skin faster.

COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer – Black – 26 Quart

The COSORI Smart Programmable Fryer is controlled by phone. Now, frying the chicken will be easier by controlling it from the app. The majority of the buyers appear in California at 17% and Washington at 11%, who place this machine near the kitchen. 

Cooking Performance

• Start cooking from your phone.
• The basket has a flat space for chicken.
• Heat changes on its own.
• Hot air cooks every side.
• Juice stays inside the chicken.

By using the control panel, raise the heat to 380°F or approximately. Cook your thigh joints for 23 to 26 minutes based on size. After half an hour, flip the thigh joints once. The meat remains soft, and the skin remains firm without burning.

Technique & Finish Control

• Put the chicken in one layer.
• Leave space so air can move.
• Watch phone alerts for the time.
• Add the sauce at the end.
• Let the chicken rest before eating.

Why People Will Purchase It

Shoppers choose this cooking machine for smart app control, easy monitoring, especially when preparing chicken thighs without standing near the kitchen during busy schedules.

Pro Tip: Use the app reminder to move the chicken on time so both sides cook without checking the fryer multiple times.

Buying Factors for Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Customers will purchase any fryer machine by looking at its capacity, price, and how long it can provide service.

So the following factors are important to select the air fryer machine:

Capacity

Choosing the right capacity will give you spacious areas to fry many wings of the chicken at the same time. Small air cookers suit couples, while larger baskets handle family meals. 

• Match size to household meals.
• Avoid stacking chicken pieces.
• Extra space improves airflow.
• Bigger baskets suit meal prep.

Cooking Performance

Cooking performance depends on steady heat and steady airflow. Even air movement helps chicken thighs cook fully and brown the skin. Residential devices remain common modern household items in everyday kitchen use. Weak airflow can leave skin soft, especially on bone-in chicken pieces.

• Steady heat prevents undercooking.
• Airflow reaches all sides.
• Even cooking improves skin texture.
• Power affects cooking time.

Ease of Use

Clear buttons set the temperature and time correctly. Complicated controls can cause mistakes, especially when flipping temperatures during busy meal preparation.

• Simple buttons reduce errors.
• A clear display helps timing.
• Easy settings save effort.
• Quick changes improve control.

Basket Design & Space

Basket shape affects how the chicken will cook. Flat, wide baskets allow pieces to lie properly. Curved baskets restrict airflow, which can trap steam and prevent skin from crisping properly.

• A flat surface cooks properly.
• Wide space avoids overlap.
• Good airflow reduces steaming.
• Shape impacts browning.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Regular cleaning keeps air fryers working well and extends the life of common cooking hardware used at home. Nonstick baskets accelerate cleanup after cooking chicken wings. Hard-to-clean parts can trap grease, causing odor or smoke during future cooking sessions.

• Nonstick surface wipes clean fast.
• Parts come out for washing.
• Less grease stays inside.
• Easy cleaning makes frequent cooking easier.

Build Quality & Safety

Good build quality ensures safe, long-term use. Stable bases, cool handles, and auto shut-off features prevent accidents while supporting correct setup during daily cooking. A well-built cooker handles frequent use without loosening parts or overheating, maintaining safety and reliability over time.

• Solid body lasts longer.
• Cool handles prevent burns.
• Auto shut-off adds safety.
• A stable base avoids tipping.

Price vs. Value

Price should match what you need and how often you cook chicken thighs. Most solid fryers fall in the $99–$189 range. 

• $79–$109: basic results, smaller feature set.
• $109–$149: better balance for most homes.
• $149–$189: more space, stronger build.
• $179–$249+: extra size or dual zones.

FAQ of Best air fryer chicken thighs

Can you stack chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Stacking limits airflow and slows browning. For reliable results, arrange thighs in one layer. This approach aligns with air frying tips focused on heat circulation and texture control.

How do you keep thighs from drying out?

Dryness comes from excess heat or time. Moderate temperatures, brief resting, and light oil help protect moisture, especially when use boneless chicken thighs in air fryer settings.

What’s the best seasoning for chicken thighs?

The best seasoning for chicken thighs balances salt, mild spice, and fat. Simple blends highlight natural flavor without burning, supporting consistent browning across different air fryer cooking times.

Why won’t my skin crisp?

Skin stays soft when moisture remains. Thorough drying and steady heat improve texture. Avoid crowding, since trapped steam interferes with crisping during bone-in chicken thighs air fryer cooking.

How long do bone-in thighs take?

Bone-in chicken thighs air fryer timing averages longer than boneless cuts. Expect added minutes for heat to reach the center, depending on thickness and airflow strength.

Conclusion

Choosing the best air fryer chicken thighs comes down to balance, control, and timing. When handled well, air frying delivers a juicy chicken thighs’ recipe with crisp edges, fits an easy weeknight dinner rhythm, and produces puffed chicken thighs that feel reliable, not rushed.

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