Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Recipe

These Air Fryer Turkey Thighs have crisp skin and tender dark meat. I marinate the turkey first, then air fry it until the skin browns and the thickest part is cooked through.

Cooking turkey thighs in the air fryer is a good option when you want turkey without roasting a whole bird. They’re especially helpful if your family prefers dark meat. For a white meat option, try my Air Fryer Turkey Breast.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

• Dark meat option: Turkey thighs are a good choice when you want something richer than turkey breast.
• Crisp skin: The air fryer helps the skin brown without deep frying.
• Good for smaller holidays: You can serve turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas without making a whole bird.
• Simple marinade: Garlic, lemon juice, oil, herbs, salt, and a little sweetener add flavor before cooking.

For the rest of the meal, browse my Thanksgiving recipes for sides, sauces, and desserts. My Christmas dinner recipes collection also has more holiday mains and sides.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make turkey thighs in the air fryer. Scroll to the recipe card for the exact amounts.

• Sweetener or sugar: Use a keto-friendly sweetener or regular sugar. A small amount balances the lemon juices.
• Turkey thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs for the best texture. Depending on your air fryer and the size of the thighs, you may need to cook them one at a time.
• Herb seasoning: I use this in the marinade and again before air frying so the outside is seasoned too. For a classic holiday flavor, you can also use poultry seasoning.
• Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil helps the marinade coat the turkey and helps the skin brown.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness. Since it is acidic, do not marinate the turkey too long.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds savory flavor.
• Sea salt: Helps season the turkey.

Why the Air Fryer Works Well for Turkey Thighs

Turkey thighs are dark meat, so they stay tender while the air fryer browns the skin. The circulating heat helps crisp the outside without a long oven roast. Give the thighs space in the basket. If they are too close together, the skin can steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.

How Long Should You Marinate Turkey Thighs?

Marinate the turkey thighs overnight for the best flavor. This gives the garlic, lemon juice, oil, salt, and herbs time to season the meat. Do not marinate turkey thighs for more than 48 hours. The lemon juice adds flavor, but too much time in an acidic marinade can make the texture too soft.

How to Make Turkey Thighs in the Air Fryer

Marinate the Turkey

Pat the turkey thighs dry before adding them to the marinade. This keeps extra moisture from watering down the marinade and helps the flavor stick.

Prep for Air Frying

Shake off extra marinade before the turkey goes into the air fryer. Add the final layer of seasoning so the outside has enough flavor and the skin can brown.

Air Fry Until Done

Place the turkey thighs in a single layer with space around them. Air fry until the skin is browned and the thickest part reaches 165 degrees.

Rest Before Serving

Let the turkey thighs rest before cutting into them so the juices settle.

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Time and Temperature

I cook turkey thighs in the air fryer at 375 degrees until the thickest part reaches 165 degrees.

The exact time depends on the size of the turkey thighs and your air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

Can I Make These in the Ninja Foodi?

Yes. Use the Air Crisp setting and cook the turkey thighs in a single layer, just like you would in another air fryer.

If your Ninja Foodi basket is small, cook one turkey thigh at a time. Crowding the basket can keep the skin from browning well.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

• Do not over-marinate: Overnight is enough. More than 48 hours can make the meat too soft.
• Pat the turkey dry first: Removing extra moisture helps the marinade and seasoning stick.
• Shake off extra marinade: Too much wet marinade on the skin can keep it from browning.
• Preheat the air fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer helps the skin cook more evenly.
• Leave space in the basket: Air needs room to move around the turkey thighs.
• Use a thermometer: Cook until the thickest part reaches 165 degrees.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Turkey Thighs

For a Thanksgiving-style plate, serve these turkey thighs with turkey gravy, brown butter mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, and collard greens with bacon.

For a Southern-style holiday meal, add southern baked macaroni and cheese, southern candied yams, homemade cornbread, or roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. Fresh green beans with bacon are another good vegetable side.

For classic-style options with ingredient swaps, try green bean casserole without French fried onions or cornbread dressing made with almond flour cornbread.

More Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

Here are more turkey recipes to help you choose the best main dish for your holiday meal:

• Air Fryer Turkey Breast: A white-meat option that cooks fully in the air fryer.
• Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe: A tender turkey breast option with drippings for gravy.
• Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin: A quick boneless turkey option.
• Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin: A hands-off turkey main.
• Air Fryer Turkey Wings: Another air fryer option for dark meat and crispy skin.
• Baked Turkey Wings: A Southern-style oven option for turkey wings.
• Crockpot Turkey Wings: A good pick when you want tender turkey wings with pan juices.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftovers

• Store leftover turkey thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat, warm them gently in the air fryer until heated through. If the turkey is sliced or pulled from the bone, add a little broth, butter, or gravy before reheating so it does not dry out.
• You can also freeze cooked turkey thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Leftover turkey thigh meat works well in leftover turkey soup or leftover turkey salad.

Air Fryer Turkey Thighs FAQs

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