Chicken thighs cooked in the Ninja Foodi are a game changer for home cooks who want delicious, juicy, and flavorful meals with minimal fuss. When using bone-in chicken thighs, the results are especially satisfying. The Ninja Foodi’s combination of pressure cooking and air crisping ensures that the meat is tender while the skin turns irresistibly crispy. This cooking method is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs in the Ninja Foodi?
Bone-in chicken thighs have more flavor compared to boneless cuts. The bone helps retain moisture during cooking, resulting in juicy meat. When cooked in the Ninja Foodi, the pressure cooking step locks in the juices, and the air crisp function adds that perfect crispy texture on the outside. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
Here are a few reasons why bone-in chicken thighs are ideal for this method:
- They are more affordable than boneless, skinless cuts.
- The bone enhances flavor during cooking.
- The skin crisps up beautifully under the air crisp setting.
Ingredients for Ninja Foodi Chicken Thighs
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need many ingredients to create an incredibly tasty meal. Here’s a basic list to get you started:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (for pressure cooking)
You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste, adding cayenne for heat or herbs like oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin get crispier. Rub the thighs with olive oil, then season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure all sides are evenly coated.
2. Use the Pressure Cooker Function
Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the Ninja Foodi pot. Place a reversible rack inside and position the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up. Secure the pressure cooker lid, set the valve to seal, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
This step helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor. The broth also prevents burning and creates steam for the pressure cooking process.
3. Quick Release the Pressure
Once the 10 minutes are up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to vent. Allow the steam to fully escape before removing the lid. The chicken will be cooked through but not yet crispy.
4. Air Crisp to Finish
Now switch to the air crisp function. If needed, move the chicken thighs to the crisping basket or continue using the rack. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. This will brown the skin and make it deliciously crispy.
Keep an eye on the chicken during this stage to prevent over-browning. Flip the thighs halfway through if you want more even crisping.
Tips for Best Results
Here are a few extra tips to get the most out of your Ninja Foodi chicken thighs:
- Don’t skip the drying step.Moisture on the skin will prevent it from crisping properly.
- Season generously.Bone-in thighs can handle more seasoning than leaner cuts.
- Let the thighs rest.After air crisping, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Serving Suggestions
Ninja Foodi chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and go well with many sides. You can keep it simple or create a full meal. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed potatoes and green beans
- Roasted vegetables and rice
- Mac and cheese with a side salad
- Cornbread and coleslaw
You can also shred the meat and use it in tacos, wraps, or sandwiches for an entirely different meal the next day.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, use the air crisp function in the Ninja Foodi at 375°F for about 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the skin soggy.
Flavor Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few different flavor profiles you can try:
Lemon Herb
- Use lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme
- Replace half the broth with lemon juice
Spicy Cajun
- Use Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne
- Add sliced bell peppers during pressure cooking
Asian-Inspired
- Marinate thighs in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger
- Top with sesame seeds and chopped scallions after cooking
Why the Ninja Foodi Stands Out
The Ninja Foodi is more than just a pressure cooker. Its multi-functionality allows you to create layered textures that are hard to achieve with traditional appliances. For chicken thighs, this means juicy meat inside and crispy skin outside something you’d usually need two cooking methods to accomplish.
With the Ninja Foodi, you don’t have to transfer food between pots or turn on the oven. Everything happens in one device, saving time and cleanup. Plus, the precise temperature and timing controls make it easy to get consistent results.
Is This Recipe Healthy?
Bone-in chicken thighs contain more fat than chicken breasts, but they also provide more flavor. When cooked in the Ninja Foodi without excess oil, they can be part of a balanced diet. You can pair them with steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal nutritious. If you’re watching your calorie intake, remove the skin after cooking to reduce fat content.
Ninja Foodi chicken thighs with the bone in are a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The combination of pressure cooking and air crisping delivers tender meat and a crispy skin in less than 30 minutes. With a few basic ingredients and a little seasoning, you can transform simple chicken thighs into a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re new to the Ninja Foodi or a seasoned user, this recipe is worth adding to your rotation.