Hey y'all! Looking for a fast, flavorful, and foolproof way to get dinner on the table? Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are here to save the day! These juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs come out crispy on the outside and tender inside—ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a casual get-together. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Perfectly juicy and flavorful in every bite, thanks to the air fryer’s magic touch.
- Quick and easy—ready in just 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.
- Healthier than deep-frying, using minimal oil without sacrificing crispiness.
- Versatile for meal prep, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings and marinades.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.25 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture for crispier results.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Make sure each thigh is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. This helps with even cooking and crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Thighs
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each thigh and cook for an additional 7–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps retain their juices and tenderness.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Feel free to marinate the chicken for extra flavor (even 30 minutes makes a difference!). Check out this marinating guide for inspiration.
- Adjust the seasoning blend to match your favorite cuisines—try Italian herbs, Cajun spice, or lemon pepper.
Variations: Different Ways to Enjoy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Asian-Inspired: Swap spices for 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- BBQ Style: Brush thighs with your favorite barbecue sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking for sweet, sticky flavor.
- Lemon Herb: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the spice mix.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
How to Store Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked thighs (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crisp.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a quick meal.
- Slice and toss in salads or wrap in tortillas for easy lunches.
- Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower mash or zoodles.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Always preheat your air fryer for crispier chicken and even cooking (air fryer tips).
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without drying out the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in those tasty juices (proper resting technique).
FAQ About Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
- Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time by 5–8 minutes, and always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Do I need to flip the chicken thighs in the air fryer?
- Yes, flipping halfway through ensures both sides get crispy and evenly cooked.
- Can I make these chicken thighs ahead of time?
- Yes, you can cook them in advance and reheat in the air fryer or oven for the best texture.
Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: 17 minutes
Total time: 24 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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2Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
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3Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
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4Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
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5Cook for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
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6Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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