Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make, quick, and offer the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. This recipe ensures the chicken thighs are full of flavor and cooked to perfection, making them ideal for a fast dinner, meal prep, or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Stage 1: Preparing the Chicken Thighs
- Pat dry the chicken thighs. Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Season the chicken. Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) over the chicken thighs. Rub it in evenly on both sides. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure an even coating. For extra flavor, you can also drizzle a little lemon juice over the thighs for a fresh, zesty taste.
Stage 2: Cooking the Chicken Thighs
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately when placed inside.
- Arrange the chicken thighs. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking multiple thighs, be sure they’re not overcrowded to allow the air to circulate properly for even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken thighs. Air fry the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.
- For crispy skin, leave the chicken undisturbed, or flip it once halfway through.
- To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).