Enjoy these easy juicy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs in less than an hour. Crispy skin on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Perfect for those times you don't need a whole turkey and are craving dark meat.
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
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. If your air fryer holds more, feel free to add more without crowding.
All air fryers cook slightly differently, test the turkey thigh by using an accurate meat thermometer, it should read 165° F.
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.
Variations & Substitutions
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.
Storage TipsRefrigerate Leftovers | If you are left with extra turkey thighs, store the completed recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four days max.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.How to reheat turkey thighs without drying it outAir Fryer Method | Set the air fryer to 325° F, place slices or thigh in a foil packet and cook the leftovers for about 10 minutes, and turn the thighs halfway through.How to reheat turkey thighs in the oven | Place turkey thigh or slices in an oven safe dish, add a pat of butter and a splash of water or broth, cover with foil. Cook in 325°F (165° C) preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until warmed through.