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–+ servings
air fryer turkey thighs close up with crispy skin on bone in

Easy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs Recipe

Jenni Cole
Learn how to cook bone in skin on turkey thighs in an air fryer that are crispy on the outside and super juicy and tender on the inside. Turkey thighs makes for the BEST holiday meal when you're serving a small group of dark meat lovers!
4.73 from 11 votes
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course turkey
Servings 3 turkey thighs
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 turkey thighs (8 oz each) with bone, skin on ( see notes below on weight)
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon course ground pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon + herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep: Preheat the air fryer at 370F for 5 minutes. With paper towels pat the turkey thighs dry on both sides to remove extra moisture. This is one of the keys to getting that extra crispy turkey skin.
  • Mix the olive oil, fine sea salt, ground pepper, ground garlic, and herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning) in a small bowl.
  • Brush both sides of the seasoned turkey thighs face down in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry at 370F for 10 minutes, brush 1 tablespoon of butter on the turky. Flip over so the meaty side is facing up. Continue cooking for about 15+ more minutes, or until cooked through to 165F+.
  • If you have a squeeky clean air fryer, you can drizzle the drippings over the turkey thighs before serving. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pat the turkey thighs very dry before seasoning for the crispiest skin.
  • Cook in a single layer and avoid overcrowding so hot air circulates evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer and cook to at least 165°F. For more tender meat, aim for 175–180°F.
  • Brush with butter halfway through for golden brown skin and extra flavor.
  • Let the thighs rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep the meat juicy.
  • You can remove the turkey skin to reduce the fat in the recipe.
  • Get more tips, tricks, seasoning ideas, and storage tips in the recipe post.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thighCalories: 340kcalProtein: 33gFat: 22gMonounsaturated Fat: 8g
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