Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, herb-infused turkey thigh with a skin so crisp it practically crackles with every bite. Forget about dry, boring poultry – this air fryer recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner game! In just 35 minutes, you'll transform ordinary turkey thighs into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to discover the ultimate crispy, flavor-packed turkey thigh recipe that's easier than you could ever imagine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 turkey thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 turkey thighs, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisping the turkey thighs.
- While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the turkey thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy skin.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the turkey thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a brush to coat each thigh evenly with the herb mixture, ensuring that all surfaces are covered.
- Once the turkey thighs are well coated, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the turkey thighs in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on both sides.
- After 25 minutes, check the internal temperature of the turkey thighs using a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If the turkey thighs are not fully cooked, continue to air fry in 2-3 minute increments until they reach the desired temperature.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Serve the crispy herb turkey thighs with your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Pat the turkey thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness. Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin!
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the thighs in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate evenly.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The magic number is 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat turkey.
- Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Experiment with different herb combinations. While this recipe uses thyme and rosemary, you can try sage, oregano, or even a Cajun seasoning blend for variety.
- If your turkey thighs have excess fat, you can trim some off, but leave a thin layer for added flavor and juiciness.
- For extra crispy skin, you can lightly spray the turkey thighs with cooking oil before air frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
