Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

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Boneless, skinless chicken thighs in air fryer are seasoned with a flavorful marinade and cooked to crispy perfection in just minutes. Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are golden with crispy skin on the outside and hot and juicy on the inside. Cook this for dinner tonight, then add it to your list of favorite chicken recipes. 

Suitable for low carb, Keto, Paleo, Whole30 and gluten free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

close up view of the completed air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe

Have you made air fryer boneless chicken thighs? Well, you are in for a real treat with this great recipe. I’m always on the hunt for more air fryer recipes, and these easy chicken thighs are so affordable, and the meat is so juicy when cooked in the air fryer.

This boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe comes together so fast that you’ll make this simple yet flavorful chicken thighs meal in the air fryer every week.

Yeap, this boneless skinless chicken thighs air fryer recipe is always a hit because you can air fry chicken in less than 30 minutes. It’s one of our favorite chicken recipes.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are healthier than skin-on chicken thighs but cook juicier than chicken breasts. Air fryer boneless chicken thighs pair perfectly with healthy sides like steamed veggies and roasted potatoes.

If you want more of a comfort meal, serve the air fryer boneless chicken thighs with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. PS you might also like this Frozen Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer, Reheat Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer, and Air Fryer Whole Chicken.

Feel free to serve this with some easy Air Fryer Green Beans or this delicious Canned Corn.

the completed air fryer boneless chicken thighs served on a plate

If you love air fryer chicken recipes and love chicken thighs, your whole family will love this easy recipe air fryer recipe for boneless chicken thighs

Why Make This Recipe

  • Affordable – Chicken thighs are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken. 
  • Simple – It’s so easy to air fry chicken. A simple seasoning blend and a few minutes are all you need to make boneless chicken thighs in air fryer. This air fryer recipe is straightforward yet delicious. 
  • Crispy and Juicy –This skinless chicken thighs air fryer recipe yields chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. 
  • Fast – Air fryer chicken thighs cook fast, especially in the air fryer, so you can get dinner on the table in well under 30 minutes.  
four air fryer boneless chicken thighs served on as plate

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken – Select boneless skinless chicken thighs that are similar in size. Skinless thighs are healthier than skin-on. 
  • Seasoning – Combine the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt. 
  • Oil – Use olive oil or another light, neutral oil. 
the ingredients needed for making air fryer boneless chicken thighs

Ready to make air fryer boneless chicken thighs? Gather your ingredients, and I will show you…

How To Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil to form a wet pasty marinade. 
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and mix until the chicken thighs are fully coated.  
  4. Place the seasoned boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer basket making sure they are not touching.
  5. Cook until the internal temperature of the air fryer chicken thighs reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C. Flip halfway through cooking. Air fry for 12-16 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken thighs. 

Note: When you cook raw chicken, Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the air fryer chicken thighs should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thighs.

image collage showing the steps for making air fryer boneless chicken thighs

Pro Tips 

  • Preheat the air fryer according to the directions for your specific model of air fryer. 
  • Select chicken thighs that are similar in size for even cooking.
  • Always handle raw chicken with care and wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help more of the seasoning marinade to stick to the chicken. 
  • Marinate the chicken thighs in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you like. 
  • There is no need to spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. 
  • Leave space between the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate.
  • Air fryer chicken thighs will likely need to be cooked in batches
  • Flip the chicken thighs in air fryer halfway through cooking. 
  • Begin checking for doneness at the minimum cooking time so you don’t overcook the chicken thighs
  • Do not consume raw chicken.
  • Always use a meat thermometer when you cook chicken thighs to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the air fryer chicken thighs should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thighs.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. 
close up view of three air fryer boneless chicken thighs inside the air fryer basket

Delicious Variations

  • Swap The Seasoning – You can use any blend of herbs or seasoning or packaged dry rub mixes for this boneless skinless chicken thighs air fryer recipe. Suggestions include cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, pre-made chicken seasoning or seasoning salt, garlic butter, onion powder, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or your favorite spice mix. 
  • Use Skin-On Chicken Thighs – You can cook boneless chicken thighs in air fryer with the skin on. Place the air fryer chicken thighs skin-side down for the first half of the cooking time, then flip. You may wish to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time to really crisp up the skins. 
close up view of air fryer boneless chicken thighs cut into pieces on a white plate

Prep And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – Prepare the marinade in advance and keep in the fridge until needed.
  • Store – Leftover air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
  • Freeze – Cool the chicken completely before wrapping it in plastic and placing it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost the chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating. 
  • Reheating – Reheating chicken thighs is easy to do. To reheat chicken thighs in air fryer, air fry for 2-4 minutes at 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C or in an oven. You can reheat chicken thighs in the microwave, but the chicken skin will not be as crispy. 

FAQs

How Long To Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer?

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs will take about 12-16 minutes to fully cook. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 

Can I Cook Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs In Air Fryer?

Yes! Remove frozen chicken thighs from the freezer and run under cold water to remove any ice on the surface. Pat dry and cover with the seasoning marinade. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook in air fryer at 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. 

How Long To Marinate Chicken Thighs?

The marinade for this boneless skinless chicken thighs air fryer recipe can be used for as little as a few minutes or you can marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Choose whichever option fits your busy schedule. 

Can I Use Bone In Chicken Thighs?

You can cook bone in chicken thighs in air fryer, but they will take a little longer to cook. Adjust the air fryer times accordingly and check for doneness. 

top down view of the completed air fryer boneless chicken thighs inside the air fryer basket

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Serving Suggestions

Weight Watchers Points

There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

top down view of the finished air fryer boneless chicken thighs on a plate

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close up view of the completed air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe
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Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air fry crispy and juicy chicken thighs in under 30 mintues.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time16 minutes
Total Time26 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4
Calories: 186kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt to taste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.
  • In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and olive oil to form a marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and mix until chicken thighs are fully coated.
  • Place the seasoned boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
  • Air fry for 12-16 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken thighs. Flip over halfway through cooking.
  • When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C, remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Notes

  • Preheat the air fryer according to the directions for your specific model of air fryer. 
  • Select chicken thighs that are similar in size for even cooking.
  • Always handle raw chicken with care and wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help more of the seasoning marinade to stick to the chicken. 
  • Marinate the chicken thighs in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you like. 
  • There is no need to spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. 
  • Leave space between the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate.
  • Cook the air fryer chicken thighs in batches. 
  • Flip the boneless chicken thighs in air fryer halfway through cooking. 
  • Begin checking for doneness at the minimum cooking time so you don’t overcook the chicken thighs. 
  • Do not consume raw chicken.
  • Always use a meat thermometer when you cook chicken thighs to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the air fryer chicken thighs should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken thighs.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for 4 days.
  • There are 4 WW Blue Plan Smart Points in one serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 102mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

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