Easy Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Recipe
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This simple Air Fryer Turkey Thighs recipe is so flavorful with crispy skin with a tender, juicy inside. These delicious juicy turkey thighs are perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, herbs, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Perfect for those times you don’t need a whole turkey and are craving dark meat.
An air fryer is a great appliance if you want faster cooking time and healthier alternatives. For more simple and delicious air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Ravioli, Steak Bites, and Easy Air Fryer Halibut Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce and Air Fryer Turkey Breast!
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- Use Frozen or Fresh Turkey Thighs | I love options. I provide the instructions to make air fryer turkey thighs from frozen or fresh.
- Simple and Classic | These air fryer turkey thighs are easy to make, using simple ingredients. Most likely, you will already have all these seasonings in your pantry.
- Less Mess | One of the best things about frying foods in an air fryer is that you can get the same crispy outside and tender inside without the mess of deep frying or the stovetop method. Not to mention, cooking in the air fryer often takes less time.
The air fryer especially comes in handy during this busy time of the year. Try this air fryer baked sweet potatoes or these air fryer steak fries.
Healthy Twist
- No Oil or Butter Required | How can you fry turkey thighs without butter or oil? Using the air fryer—that’s how! You don’t need olive oil or butter with an air fryer to get a perfectly crisp skin, the fats in the skin do it all for you!
- Simply Seasoned | These turkey thighs are seasoned with a dry rub of herbs and spices—no heavy gravy, breadcrumbs, or any other high-calorie flavor booster.
Simple Ingredients
Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.
- Turkey thighs | Select quality bone-in turkey thighs with skin. You may use frozen or fresh. The instructions for both are provided. They should be about a pound each.
- Kosher salt | Sprinkle the thighs with a pinch of kosher salt to enhance the savory notes.
- Garlic powder | Add a little garlic powder for subtle spice.
- Herbs | Add to the seasoning mix some dried thyme and rosemary. If desired, you may finely chop fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Smoked paprika | Smoked paprika lends a rich and smokey flavor to the turkey thigh seasoning mix.
- Black pepper | Finally, add some freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
- This recipe serves one or two people. To feed more increase the measurements for the seasonings and batch-cook multiple turkey thighs.
- Air fryers are great for couples and households of two! They tend to cook smaller portions of food, which is fitting for a smaller crowd. To serve two, use the number of thighs you and your dinner guest prefer.
How to Make Turkey Thighs in Air Fryer
Air Fry Fresh Turkey Thighs
First, remove the turkey thighs from the refrigerator and allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature. Then, pat them dry with paper towels, removing the excess moisture.
Next, prepare the seasonings by mixing them together in a small bowl. Rub the spices all over the turkey thighs. Completely cover the outside and be sure to get under the turkey skin, too. This method is called dry brining. For the best results, dry brine the turkey thighs for up to 24 hours, allowing the seasonings to sit and the flavors to meld. If you are short on time, at least let the dry brine sit for 30 minutes.
Then, get the air fryer hot and ready by preheating it to 390 degrees F. Place the turkey thighs in the bottom of the preheated air fryer basket, if desired, spray the turkey thigh with a little spray oil. Fit as many thighs as you can in a single layer without crowding the air fryer.
Now, let the air fryer do its magic and cook the thighs for about 30-45 minutes (depending on the size of the turkey thigh). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees F. Next, remove the thighs from the air fryer and rest for 10 minutes. Tent the thighs with tin foil to contain some of the heat.
This allows the juices to return to the thigh meat before carving into this tasty recipe. Then, you’re ready to serve this recipe with your favorite side dish. ENJOY!
Recommended Air Fryer Equipment
- Turn your Instant Pot into an air fryer with this air fryer lid — one less appliance!
- Cosori Air Fryer is the next up, a dedicated air fryer with a larger square basket.
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer & Indoor Grill — a nice wide and easy to operate air fryer. What I made these French toast sticks in.
- My favorite Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (it does it all!), love, love this air fryer, countertop oven.
- Meat Thermometer | Invest in one, they come in so handy for turkey’s or grilling. Use an instant read thermometer or a probe style.
Frozen Turkey Thighs in Air Fryer
If you are cooking the turkey thighs from frozen, start by patting the turkey thighs dry with a clean rag or paper towel. Next, rub the mixed seasonings all over the skin and place the thighs in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 390 degrees and immediately add the turkey. You don’t need to wait for the air fryer to preheat.
Then, cook for 35-50 minutes. If you notice the air fryer collecting some liquid as the turkey thighs thaw, you might want to drain the extra moisture halfway through. To ensure the thighs are cooked all the way through, use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature.
When it reaches 165 degrees, the turkey is done! Finally, as with the fresh thighs, allow the turkey to rest under a tent of aluminum foil for about 10 minutes before slicing into them. Then, serve!
Fresh Tips
- Remember to pat the thighs dry before proceeding with the recipe. This will help to produce delicious crispy skin.
- Avoid crowding the air fryer. The turkey thighs won’t cook as evenly, and the skins won’t be as crisp if the basket is overcrowded.
- The best way to check if the turkey is done is to insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of each thigh.
- This recipe is for one turkey thigh in the air fryer, it easily multiplies just make enough seasoning for each turkey thigh. Seasoning measurements are for one thigh.
Variations & Substitutions
This is a great recipe to personalize and make it more enjoyable for you and your family. Here are some additional seasonings you can experiment with:
- Chipotle seasoning or Creole Seasoning
- Mustard powder, Onion powder or Garlic salt
- Oregano, dried marjoram or Italian Seasoning
- Butter Basted Turkey Thighs | Soften 4 tablespoons of butter and mix all seasonings into the butter, like my simple roasted turkey recipe, slather that herb and butter mixture inside the skin of the turkey thigh. Mmmm!
Storage Tips
Refrigerate Leftovers | If you are left with extra turkey thighs, store the completed recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four days max. Better yet, make these leftover turkey tacos!
Freeze | Cool turkey thighs completely and wrap well in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Reheat | Set the air fryer to 350 degrees, cook the leftovers for about 10 minutes, and turn the thighs halfway through.
To-go | If you are traveling with this delicious recipe for a family dinner, you’ll want to keep the thighs nice and warm. Wrap each thigh in aluminum foil as soon as they come out of the air fryer. While traveling, they will have plenty of time to absorb the juices and seasonings. Place the wrapped turkey thighs in an insulated bag or an airtight container surrounded by paper towels to contain some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
As with a whole bird, you want to cook all poultry until it reaches 160 degree F, be sure to rest it for about 10 minutes, covered with foil, that will raise the temperature to 165 degrees F, which is then safe and perfect to eat.
A cooking thermometer is the most accurate method to ensure your turkey thighs are thoroughly cooked. If you cook often, I recommend purchasing one. However, if you don’t have one handy, there is another way to check the turkey’s doneness.
Remove the turkey from the fryer and place it on a white plate or another plain surface.
Pierce the thigh in the thickest part with a fork. Observe the juices that leak out—if they are reddish or slightly pink, the turkey needs to cook a little longer. If the juices run clear, they should be good to go! Note that this method is less reliable than using a cooking thermometer
As long as you have an accurate meat thermometer and you tested it in the thickest part of the turkey thigh meat, pink meat is still safe to eat. Before eating, the temperature should be at 165 degrees F for all poultry. If the meat is still pink, it might just be a natural chemical reaction that the turkey meat had while roasting and is still safe to eat, read this article from the USDA.
Truthfully, fresh is always best. Using fresh turkey thighs, you can rub the seasonings under the skin, which makes a big difference in the final taste. However, if you choose frozen thighs, you’ll still have a tasty air fryer entrée!
Oven Baked Turkey Thighs
So maybe you don’t have an air fryer yet (it’s my new favorite kitchen toy!), here is how to cook turkey thighs in the oven.
Proceed with the recipe rub and patting dry, place turkey thighs in a baking pan and bake in preheated 350 degree F oven.
How long do you bake turkey thighs in the oven?
Roast 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reads 160-165 degrees. Remove from oven, let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. If desired, since turkey will dry out a bit more in the oven, rub a few tablespoons of softened butter under the skin of the thighs before baking.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
When I think of turkey, I think of Thanksgiving dinner. So, it’s only fitting to serve these turkey thighs with Thanksgiving-like sides, right?
Here are some delicious ideas of what to serve with this tasty air fryer main dish:
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Rosemary Red Potatoes
- Southern-Style Green Beans
- Easy Instant Pot Glazed Carrots
- Classic Green Bean Casserole (without canned soup!)
- Broccoli Au Gratin
- Cheesy Asparagus Bake
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze
- Don’t forget dessert Pumpkin Custard Pie or this juicy Apple Pie Recipe.
What to make with Leftover Turkey
Here are some of our favorite recipes using leftover turkey!
- Easy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole (or leftover turkey)
- Turkey Divan Recipe (or chicken)
- Easy Oven Baked Turkey and Cheese Sliders Recipe
- Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes
Top Pro Tips
- Don’t rush this air fryer turkey recipe! Remember to allow the thighs to sit for about 10 minutes once removed from the air fryer.
- Cover with aluminum foil and let the juices return to the thigh meat.
- Use an accurate meat thermometer for best results!
- Turkey thighs come in all weights and thicknesses, meaning your turkey thighs might take a bit less time or a bit longer.
I hope you loved this Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Best Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
Ingredients
- 1-2 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 dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 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.
✱ Kathleen’s Tips
- This recipe is for one turkey thigh in the air fryer, it easily multiplies just make enough seasoning for each turkey thigh.
- Seasoning measurements are for one thigh, one thigh can feed two people with sides.
- All air fryers cook slightly different, test the turkey thigh by using an accurate meat thermometer.
- Remember to pat the thighs dry before proceeding with the recipe. This will help to produce delicious crispy skin.
- Avoid crowding the air fryer. The turkey thighs won’t cook as evenly, and the skins won’t be as crisp if the basket is overcrowded.
- The best way to check if the turkey is done is to insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of each thigh.
- Chipotle seasoning or Creole Seasoning
- Mustard powder, Onion powder or Garlic salt
- Oregano, dried marjoram or Italian Seasoning
- Butter Basted Turkey Thighs | Soften 4 tablespoons of butter and mix all seasonings into the butter, like my simple roasted turkey recipe, slather that herb and butter mixture inside the skin of the turkey thigh.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
About Kathleen Pope
Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer
Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.
I’m always looking to make thanksgiving dinner easier and this is definitely it! I love the seasonings you have on the turkey as well! Definitely going to try this one this year!
Yes!!
Perfect recipe for thanksgiving. Love this air fryer version.
So glad you found it!
these Turkey Thighs are so tender and juicy. plus using the air fryer frees up stove space
Exactly, win-win!
I love how simple and easy this chicken is to make! So flavorful and cooked to perfection!
Thank you Holley!
Wow…this recipe looks delicious. Love the air fryer version. Will definitely be trying this over weekend.
I hope you love it!
I made these turkey thighs for dinner last week and they were amazing! Definitely making again for Thanksgiving!
Fabulous Tayler, thanks for your kind words!
What a great recipe! I love dark poultry so I will definitely be using this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! You’ll love it!
This air fryer version of turkey thighs looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing
Thank you!
These sound absolutely amazing! I love all the spices, and I love how crispy the skin gets in the air fryer.
That crispy skin is the best part!
This is my husband’s favorite thing to make in the Air Fryer! Thank you!!
Happy hubby! Thank you so much Kali!
I have to admit I was skeptical at first to make turkey in the air fryer but you have totally convinced me this is the BEST and easiest way to do it! So tender and juicy. YUM!
So glad to hear that!! Winner with turkey for dinner!
I am obsessed with my air fryer and using it to cook everything! I am usually a chicken breast or chicken wing kind of girl but these thighs are so moist! And I can’t get over the crispy skin!! You have made me a thigh convert! LOL
YAY!!
Love this recipe! It’s genius because it makes a smaller amount when you don’t need a whole turkey.
Exactly! We’ve already enjoyed turkey thighs a few times, great for small family dinners too!
This is just SUCH a delicious dinner and utterly delicious. My kids LOVED these!
Always good when we have a kid win isn’t it!
Tried this out this weekend as a test run for Thanksgiving… I think we may need some more test runs juuuuuust to make sure. DELISH!
Always love hearing that!! Thanks Lynn!
I’ve started buying turkey when it’s on sale and thighs are our favorite. Cooking them in the air fryer with your recipe was amazing. They were so flavorful and stayed moist.
So glad to hear that Jules, I agree so moist!
What a smart idea to do these turkey thighs in the air fryer! My husband and oldest love thighs and crispy skin so this is perfect for them. So quick and easy and delicious!
Thank you so much Tasia, I appreciate you!
The simplicity of this recipe is amazing, but the taste is incredible!! PErfect for a small holiday gathering, or even just a weeknight! Loved it!
Thank you so much Michaela!