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Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are shown cooked to a golden brown and arranged on a plate, ready to serve.

Best Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
Enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy, and golden-brown boneless chicken thighs in under 20 minutes with this easy air fryer recipe. Boneless thighs are naturally more forgiving and stay moist, making this recipe a guaranteed success for a quick and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ inch ginger, grated

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  • If using a marinade, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  • In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  • If you marinated the chicken, remove it from the marinade and discard the marinade. Otherwise, place the chicken in a bowl. Pour the olive oil mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the basket! Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C). If it's not quite there, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
  • Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer and the thickness of the chicken thighs. Try different seasonings and spice blends for variations. For easier cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers. Serve as a main course, in salads, sandwiches, tacos, or for meal prep. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.