These air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs come out with crispy, slightly charred edges and juicy centers. Enjoy them as a main dish, for meal prep, or in salads, sandwiches and wraps.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Quick and easy: The air fryer cooks chicken much faster than the oven, and flipping is optional.
- Perfect textures: these boneless thighs come out slightly crispy on the outside, while the inside remains juicy and tender.
- Versatile: they are good as a main dish or you can use cooked chicken to make salads, sandwiches or wraps.
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Ingredients
You can find the ingredients quantities in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chicken thighs: I used boneless skinless thighs.
- Dry rub seasoning mix: I use paprika, garlic powder onion powder, black pepper, and salt. I also add brown sugar and chili powder for more flavor and slightly spicier taste.
- Oil: I used a little bit of extra virgin olive oil to rub onto the meat for better color and crust, and to prevent the meat from sticking to the basket.. You can use avocado, vegetable, or canola oil.
How to cook chicken thighs in air fryer
Step 1 - Remove the chicken from the package and pat it dry with a paper towel. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes for even cooking.
Step 2 - In a small bowl, mix salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar and chili powder.
Step 3 - Rub the chicken with a little bit of oil on both sides. Sprinkle it with the seasoning blend and rub it into the meat.
Step 4 - Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Place 3-4 chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, so it does not get overcrowded.
Step 5 - Cook at 390 degrees F for 9 minutes on one side, flip the thighs, and cook them for another 6-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reached at least 165°F. For best texture and flavor, I recommend cooing the thighs until they reach internal temperature 175°F.
Note: You do not even have to flip them, but cooking them on both sides makes evenly browned on both sides.
Serving ideas
Here are some of our favorite ways to serve chicken thighs:
- Main dish: pair it with your favorite sides such as salad, green beans, rice, or sweet potatoes to make a complete and healthy meal.
- Shredded: for making tacos, casseroles, or enchiladas.
- Wraps, salads, sandwiches to make a sandwich, wrap or a salad.
- Meal prepping: similar to chicken breasts, you can use the thighs to add to your meal prep lunch box.
Expert tips and variations, leftovers
- Pat dry the chicken: for a golden crust and for the seasoning to stick better, make sure to pat dry meat.
- Internal temperature: While the chicken is fully cooked when reaches 165°F, I like to take it to 175°F. It makes the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Seasonings: you can use any of your favorite spices and herbs. If you like spicy chicken, add about ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers: store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-5 days.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook chicken thighs from frozen in air fryer. I have made a separate recipe for frozen bone-in or boneless chicken thighs in air fryer with cooking times, and best seasoning tips.
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Boneless chicken thighs typically take about 15-19 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 390°F (190°C). The cooking time
More easy air fryer chicken recipes
- Frozen chicken breasts in air fryer
- Air fryer whole chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs)
- Air Fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer chicken wings
- Air fryer lemon-pepper drumsticks
- Air fryer breaded cutlets
- Air fryer chicken bites
- Air fryer chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
📖 Recipe
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer I used Ninja
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt or more by taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Pat dry chicken thighs with a paper towel. Rub or brush each chicken thigh with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon brown sugar ¼ teaspoon chili powder. Rub the spice mix generously onto the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes to 390°F. Spray the bottom of the basket with some cooking spray. Arrange seasoned chicken thighs in single layer. Cook at 390°F for 9 minutes, flip it on the other side and cook for another 6-9 minutes or until the internal temperature is at least 165°F. For best results let it cook until the internal temperature gets to 176℉.
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