The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Why Air Fryers Are Perfect for Chicken Thighs
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, especially for dishes like chicken thighs that benefit from crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. Unlike traditional frying, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to mimic deep-fried results with minimal oil, making them a healthier and cleaner option. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, are particularly well-suited for air frying, as they stay moist while achieving a golden, crunchy skin. This guide dives into the six best air fryers for cooking chicken thighs in 2025, focusing on performance, ease of use, and features tailored to perfecting this versatile cut of meat.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer for Chicken Thighs
Before exploring the top models, it’s worth understanding what makes an air fryer ideal for chicken thighs. Here are the key factors:
- Capacity: Chicken thighs vary in size, but a 4- to 6-quart air fryer typically holds four to six thighs, perfect for small families or meal prep. Larger models (8-10 quarts) suit bigger batches or whole meals.
- Temperature Range and Control: Precise temperature settings (up to 400-450°F) ensure crispy skin without overcooking. Look for models with adjustable controls for fine-tuning.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup, especially important when dealing with greasy chicken drippings.
- Cooking Modes: Presets for air frying, roasting, or baking streamline the process, while features like rotisserie or dual-zone cooking add versatility.
- Visibility and Monitoring: Windows or interior lights let you check doneness without opening the basket, preserving heat and ensuring even cooking.
With these in mind, I’ve tested and selected air fryers that excel at delivering juicy, crispy chicken thighs every time, based on real-world performance and user feedback.
Top 6 Air Fryers for Chicken Thighs in 2025
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus stands out for its consistent performance and user-friendly design, making it a top choice for chicken thighs. Its 6-quart square basket fits up to six thighs comfortably, ensuring even airflow for crispy results. In testing, it produced golden, juicy thighs in just 15 minutes at 400°F, with no need for excessive oil. The clear window and interior light allow you to monitor progress without interrupting cooking, a feature not all competitors offer. Its six presets, including air fry and roast, simplify the process, while the nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
User Review: “This air fryer is a game-changer for chicken thighs! I get crispy skin and tender meat every time. The window is super helpful to check without opening.” – Amazon Customer
Shop the Instant Vortex Plus on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 10-Quart DualZone Air Fryer
For those cooking larger batches or entire meals, the Ninja Foodi DZ550’s dual 5-quart baskets offer unmatched versatility. You can cook chicken thighs in one basket and sides like fries or veggies in the other, with independent temperature and time settings. Its “Sync” feature ensures both baskets finish simultaneously, perfect for family dinners. In tests, it delivered evenly crispy thighs in 18 minutes, with the ceramic nonstick coating preventing sticking. The temperature probe is a standout, automatically stopping cooking when thighs reach the ideal internal temperature (165°F).
User Review: “I love the dual baskets! I made chicken thighs in one and roasted potatoes in the other, and both were perfect. The probe makes it foolproof.” – Amazon Customer
Shop the Ninja Foodi DZ550 on Amazon
Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer
The Cosori Pro LE is a budget-friendly yet powerful option, ideal for smaller households. Its 5-quart basket fits four to five thighs, and its five-fan-speed system ensures even crisping. During testing, it cooked thighs to a golden brown in 16 minutes at 375°F, with a moist interior. The intuitive touchscreen and presets (including one for chicken) make it beginner-friendly, while the VeSync app offers recipes tailored for thighs. The nonstick basket is easy to clean, though it’s a tight fit in smaller dishwashers.
User Review: “This air fryer is amazing for the price! Chicken thighs come out crispy and juicy, and the app has great recipe ideas.” – Amazon Customer
Shop the Cosori Pro LE on Amazon
Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
If you prefer an oven-style air fryer, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium choice. Its capacity accommodates up to eight thighs or a whole chicken, making it ideal for larger gatherings. In tests, it produced the crispiest thighs in just 14 minutes, thanks to its powerful convection fan. The 13 presets, including air fry and roast, offer versatility, and the large cooking tray simplifies cleanup compared to basket-style models. However, it’s pricier and bulkier, requiring ample counter space.
User Review: “This is more than an air fryer—it’s a mini oven! Chicken thighs come out perfectly crispy, and I love using it for other dishes too.” – Amazon Customer
Shop the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro on Amazon
Dome 2 Air Fryer
The Typhur Dome 2 is a high-end option with a unique wide, shallow basket that maximizes airflow for ultra-crispy results. It cooked thighs in a record 12 minutes during testing, with no preheating required. Its 15 cooking modes, including a self-cleaning function, make it a tech-savvy choice, and the companion app offers 50 recipes, including several for chicken thighs. The ceramic nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, but its large size can be cumbersome for smaller kitchens.
User Review: “The Typhur Dome is incredible! Chicken thighs are done so fast and come out super crispy. The app is a nice bonus for new recipes.” – Amazon Customer
Shop the Typhur Dome 2 on Amazon
3000 Series Airfryer L HD9200/91
The Philips 3000 Series is a compact, affordable option that doesn’t skimp on performance. Its 3-quart basket fits three to four thighs, ideal for singles or couples. In testing, it delivered crispy, evenly cooked thighs in 15 minutes at 400°F, with a simple interface featuring manual buttons for easy operation. The stainless-steel mesh tray is durable and easy to clean, though it lacks advanced presets. Its slim design is perfect for small kitchens.
User Review: “This little air fryer is perfect for my small apartment. Chicken thighs come out crispy and delicious every time!” – Amazon Customer
Shop the Philips 3000 Series Airfryer L on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer for Chicken Thighs
Selecting the right air fryer for chicken thighs involves balancing your cooking needs with practical considerations. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide:
Size and Capacity
Consider how many thighs you will cook at once. A 4- to 6-quart air fryer is sufficient for most households, fitting four to six thighs. For larger families or batch cooking, opt for 8- to 10-quart models like the Ninja Foodi DZ550. Smaller models like the Philips 3000 Series (3 quarts) are great for one or two people but may require cooking in batches.
Temperature and Cooking Modes
Chicken thighs need temperatures between 375-425°F for optimal crispiness. Look for air fryers with precise controls and a wide temperature range (up to 450°F). Presets for air frying or roasting simplify cooking, while advanced features like temperature probes (Ninja Foodi) or steam infusion (Dreo ChefMaker) ensure juicy results. For recipe inspiration, check out Allrecipes’ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for tips on seasoning and cooking times.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
Intuitive controls, like touchscreens or clear dials, make cooking straightforward. Models with windows (Instant Vortex Plus) or lights reduce guesswork. Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts are crucial for easy cleanup, as chicken thighs can leave greasy residue. Avoid models with complex grates that trap food particles.
Additional Features
Features like dual baskets, rotisserie spits, or app connectivity enhance versatility. For example, the Breville Smart Oven’s rotisserie basket rotates thighs for even crisping, while the Typhur Dome’s app provides tailored recipes. However, prioritize features you will actually use to avoid paying for unnecessary bells and whistles.
Budget Considerations
Air fryers range from $50 to $ models like the Cosori Pro LE deliver excellent results for under $100, while premium options like the Typhur Dome 2 justify their cost with advanced features. For a mid-range option, the Instant Vortex Plus offers a great balance of performance and value.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
To maximize your air fryer’s potential, follow these tips:
- Season Generously: Use a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for bold flavor. A light oil spray enhances crispiness without excess fat.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange thighs in a single layer with space for air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip Halfway: Flip thighs midway through cooking (around 8 minutes) for even browning, as recommended by CNET’s air fryer chicken thigh guide.
- Check Temperature: Ensure thighs reach 165°F internally using a meat thermometer or a model with a built-in probe.
- Experiment with Breading: For extra crunch, coat thighs in egg wash and breadcrumbs, as suggested by Simply Recipes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure perfect thighs:
- Skipping Preheat: Preheating (if your model requires it) ensures even cooking. Most modern air fryers, like the Typhur Dome, skip this step.
- Using Too Much Oil: Thighs have enough natural fat; a light spray is sufficient.
- Ignoring Cleaning: Regularly clean the basket and tray to prevent flavor transfer and maintain performance.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
