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These easy air fryer boneless chicken thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold flavor. The combination of garlic, paprika, and a touch of cayenne creates a rich, savory crust, while the circulating hot air locks in moisture for irresistibly tender chicken. Best of all, this easy recipe takes less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
This air fryer method is my favorite way to cook chicken thighs to achieve maximum flavor with minimal effort. The high heat creates crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy, all without the need for deep frying. Unlike pan-frying, which requires more oil, or baking, which can sometimes dry out the meat, the air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, creating a crispy exterior while locking in moisture-no extra grease or guesswork needed.
These boneless thighs deliver just as much flavor as bone-in chicken thighs, thanks to a simple dry rub that enhances every bite (but if you're looking for an easy alternative to this boneless recipe, check out my bone-in keto chicken thigh recipe). Whether you're serving this for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the whole family, it's a reliable go-to that pairs well with nearly any side dish.
If you're new to air frying, these air-fried chicken thighs, gluten-free chicken tenderloins and panko breaded chicken cutlets are the perfect recipes to start with-quick, easy, and packed with flavor every time.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here are a few notes on the main ingredients for this air fryer boneless chicken thighs! Jump to the recipe card for the full recipe and exact measurements.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Naturally juicy and flavorful, these cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. If using larger thighs, adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes a crispy exterior. Avocado oil is a great substitute.
- Salt & black pepper Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: A classic combination that adds depth and savoriness.
- Paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly sweet note that complements the crispy chicken thighs.
- Dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle tangy depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives a mild heat, but you can omit it for a milder version.
How to Make This Easy Air Fryer Chicken
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne.
Step 2: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is key for getting crispy results.
Step 3: Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and rub until evenly coated.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.
Step 5: Arrange the chicken in a single layer, smooth-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Let the juicy chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Use skin-on thighs for extra crispiness. If you prefer a crispier texture, try this recipe with bone-in, skin-on thighs and increase the cooking time slightly.
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed to allow proper air circulation, ensuring even crisping.
- Let the chicken rest. Resting for 5 minutes after cooking helps retain the juices, making the meat even more tender.
- Adjust cooking time for larger thighs. If your chicken thighs are extra thick, you may need an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Always check with a meat thermometer.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer boneless chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few favorites:
- Crispy air fryer potato wedges are a quick, easy side that complements the bold flavors of the chicken.
- Thyme roasted radishes and onions offer a fresh, vibrant option for a balanced meal.
- Cauliflower rice is a great way to soak up the seasoning and juices from the chicken while keeping it keto or low-carb friendly.
- Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes are a creamy and delicious side that would pair so well with these thighs!
- A fresh salad tossed with the sliced chicken over a mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a lighter meal.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
If you're like me and always looking for easy meal prep ideas, you'll definitely want to double this batch! Honestly, I love making extra because these taste just as good the next day! I'll slice up the leftovers and toss them in a salad for lunch or reheat them in the air fryer for a quick protein boost.
Store leftovers in a container for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! If cooking from frozen, increase the cook time to about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, for best results, thaw the chicken first for even seasoning and texture.
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs work great in the air fryer, but you'll need to adjust the cook time slightly since they take longer to cook than boneless thighs. Increase the cook time to 22-25 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. For extra juiciness, you can cook dark meat up to 175-180°F without it drying out.
Absolutely! For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight in a mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and the spices listed in the ingredients. Pat dry before air frying to ensure a crispy exterior.
Great question! You can bake these boneless chicken thighs at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last 2 minutes to add extra crispiness.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
15-Minute Air Fryer Halibut
The BEST Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Easy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon (No Thaw Method!)
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, I use organic which can sometimes be smaller – you may need to adjust cooking time for larger thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne
Instructions
- Add all of the spices to a small bowl and mix to combine.
- Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and drizzle oil over top. Sprinkle spices on top. Use your hands to mix well and rub the spices into the chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 for 2-3 minutes. Add 3 of the chicken thighs smooth-side down into the basket in an even layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees.
- Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes, then enjoy!
Notes
- Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed to allow proper air circulation, ensuring even crisping.
- Let the chicken rest. Resting for 5 minutes after cooking helps retain the juices, making the meat even more tender.
- Adjust cooking time for larger thighs. If your chicken thighs are extra thick, you may need an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time. Always check with a meat thermometer.
- Use skin-on thighs for extra crispiness. If you prefer a crispier texture, try this recipe with bone-in, skin-on thighs and increase the cooking time slightly.
- Baked option: 400 for 25-30 minutes.
- Store leftovers in a container for up to 4 days. To freeze, place cooled chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
The recipe made a Delicious taste after using the air fryer to cook my chicken thighs they came tender and just right, and I steamed cooked some petite red potatoes put light herbs and garlic butter season blended on top and the made a side of homemade dirty rice.the family enjoy every bite.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
I unboxed my air fryer at 5pm and by 5:30pm I was following your recipe. First AF cook. I adjusted the spices just a tad: added some chipotle chile pepper, a little more red pepper. Yardbird came out perfect! Juicy and tangy a just the right amount of crispy. My compliments to the chef.
Tastiest air fryer chicken recipe yet!!
My thighs were thinner, so I had to reduce the cook time to 10 mins. These were so delicious, thank you!
Very juicy and flavorful!
Cooked in the oven on “Air Fry” and did a large batch on a grate on top of a sheet pan. Took longer but turned out great. Even the two year old liked it (left off the cayenne).
Loved them!