Easy Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
361 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
Description
The Easy Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs recipe starts by bringing the turkey thighs to room temperature, then patting them dry to encourage crisp skin. A mixture of kosher salt, garlic powder, dried rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper is applied under and over the skin as a dry brine, which can rest from 30 minutes up to 24 hours. The air fryer is preheated to 390°F (199°C), and the thighs are cooked for 25 to 40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are safe to eat and juicy.
The cooking results in turkey thighs with well-seasoned, crispy skin and moist, tender meat. The high heat in the air fryer helps render fat and brown the skin evenly without overcooking. Adjusting seasoning amounts for multiple thighs and avoiding overcrowding in the air fryer ensures consistent texture and flavor. Resting the meat for 10 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute.
This recipe is convenient for reheating leftovers using the air fryer or oven, which helps retain moisture by using foil and a moderate temperature. The recipe also suggests variations using different herbs and seasonings like chipotle or Creole spice blends, and a butter-herb mixture can be applied under the skin for a richer taste.
Careful measurement of seasoning is important, as is using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. The recipe also emphasizes patting the thighs dry and not overcrowding the air fryer to maintain crispness and even cooking.
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds turkey thighs approx 1 pound, bone-in, skin on (fresh or frozen) if more needed, increase thighs and seasonings.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon rosemary dried
- ½ teaspoon thyme dried
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Fresh Turkey Thighs
- Bring turkey thigh(s) and bring to room temp for 30-45 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. If making more than one thigh, increase seasonings according to number of thighs, measurements given above are for one thigh.
- Mix salt and pepper and spices in a small bowl, rub spices (dry brine) all over turkey thighs, under the skin and on top. Dry brine the turkey thighs for up to 24 hours, preferably at least 30 minutes. If making more than one turkey thigh, use more dry brine.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. Place turkey thigh(s) in the air fryer, as many as will fit or one at a time, making sure they are not touching.
- Air fry turkey thigh for 25-40 minutes, using a meat thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove from the air fryer and let rest (tent with some foil) for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to return to the thigh meat.
Turkey Thighs Frozen in Air Fryer
- Pat dry turkey thighs, rub the seasoning all over the skin and place in the air fryer basket. Turn on the air fryer to 390 degrees F (don’t preheat).
- Cook for 35-50 minutes, air frying an extra 10 minutes. The air fryer will collect some liquid as the turkey thighs thaw, you might want to drain the collection area halfway through. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Turkey drumsticks or legs may be air fried the same way.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning quantities proportionally when cooking multiple turkey thighs to maintain flavor balance.
- Pat turkey thighs dry before seasoning to enhance skin crispiness during air frying.
- Use an accurate meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy meat.
- Rest turkey thighs for 10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months; reheat using air fryer or oven with foil to maintain moisture.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 361 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 361kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 141mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 2155mg | 90% |
| Potassium | 573mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 258IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 27mg | 3% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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