These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! With a simple seasoning, they are prepped and cook quickly!
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It’s no secret by now that the air fryer is one of my favorite ways to cook chicken!
After making these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts (the juiciest chicken we’ve ever eaten!) and these Air Fryer Chicken Wings, I knew it was time to throw some chicken thighs in there.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are so juicy and flavorful, and they cook so quickly that they have become a regular recipe in our rotation.
I like to throw a second batch in the air fryer while we are eating so we have lots of leftovers for quick meals through the week!
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
- Choose your chicken thighs: see my tips below for boneless or bone in thighs!
- Preheat your air fryer: this ensures that your chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
- Stir together your seasoning while the air fryer preheats, or choose a favorite spice blend if you’re short on time
- Toss chicken with oil and season well — this ensures a crispy, flavorful exterior!
- Cook! Some people flip their chicken half way through cooking in the air fryer, but I haven’t ever found a need as my air fryer cooks pretty evenly. You can check yours at the 7 minute mark and adjust as necessary.
Bone in or boneless chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs are inexpensive, delicious and easy to cook. They are made of dark meat, so they are extra juicy!
I used boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, though we love bone in chicken thighs in the air fryer, too!
If you choose bone in chicken thighs, you can use the same seasoning and method, but your cook time will be longer, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
How do I store leftover chicken?
Store cooked chicken thighs in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Leftover chicken is great for meal prepping and quick lunches!
Chop up leftover chicken and use it in this classic Chicken Noodle Soup or this Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings!
Can I reheat chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Yes! Add ¼ water to the bottom of air fryer basket. Place refrigerated chicken in basket and cook for 7-10 minutes at 350 degrees.
We also like to make stir fry, casseroles or creamy pasta dishes with it!
What sides would go well with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs?
The options are almost endless! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Broccoli Salad – a family favorite
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – so crispy!
- Crockpot Mac and Cheese (soooo creamy!)
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots – made with garlic butter!
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
written by Ashley Fehr
Equipment
- Air fryer (3-8 quart)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 Tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towel then drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
- Combine brown sugar and seasonings in a small bowl. Rub over chicken thighs.
- Coat basket with non-aerosol cooking spray then place thighs in air fryer basket and cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping half way if desired, until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached.
Nutrition Information
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Katie T. says
This is seriously my new favorite chicken!!! It is so juicy, and full of flavor. Definitely keeping this one as a regular dinner 😍
Paula says
Oh wow, absolutely delicious made this evening, super tender, super tasty. Definitely one to keep.
Mary VdN says
Love your recipes! I have made several and they all have been hits with the family! This recipe was great! Thank you for all you do to ease the thought of what do I cook for dinner!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Allen Perper says
An easy and very tasty recipe. I think you nailed the rub ingredients. Thanks!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Allen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Kim says
My Family LOVED this!!! You made me look like fabulous chef. Thanks so much!!
I will definitely cook this again.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Kim! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Doris says
Too much salt for my taste since I generally try to cook sodium free. Otherwise the meat was tender and quick prep. Will be using basic recipe again with less salt. Thanks for sharing!
The Recipe Rebel says
It’s normally spot on for myself (and others). Sounds like a personal preference. Definitely adjust to what is best for you.
Tracy says
I used boneless skinless thighs.
For the coating i used Louisiana brand chicken coating for air fryers. I had 6 thighs…2 were larger. I sprayed my basket with olive oil and also misted the chicken with olive oil. For the smaller thighs I, cooked at 400 degrees for 14 minutes, turning them at halfway. I cooked the larger thighs for 15 minutes. I cooked them 2 at a time in my
Gourmia 5 qt air fryer
The thighs were crispy and very juicy. I will be cooking these more often. Delicious!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Tracy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Becky says
It’s my go to recipe for boneless skinless chicken thighs. My family loves the flavor and its texture.
I triple the recipe so I can make extra for the next day.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Becky! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Donna Brombeiss says
This recipe made an incredible mess in my oven air fryer not to mention the smoke it produced. I spent more time cleaning up than it took to prep and cook the meal.
Maybe your air fryer is one of the enclosed ones with a basket. Mine is a Breville Air Fryer Pro oven with a mesh tray basket that sits in the oven in the middle rack position. The coating on the chicken dripped and burned onto the air fryer basket, the oven rack beneath and the crumb tray on the bottom of the oven which was likely the cause of the smoke.
I may try some of the other recipes to be fair but I really think you should consider a disclaimer on what type of air fryer to use.
Judi Bartels says
I use parchment paper on the baking tray to avoid the mess. This works very well for me.
The Recipe Rebel says
Thanks for the feedback Judi!
Helen says
What adjustments do you make for Bone In Thighs?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Helen! I would continue to cook them for another 5-8 minutes or until the internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached.
Melissa says
My family and I loved these chicken thighs!!! My kids (8, 6 and 4 y/o) asked to always make chicken this way. lol. This recipe is a keeper for sure! Thank you!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Melissa! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Amie Chant says
Deliciousness in every bite. Easy to make and the recipe came out exactly as written. A real winner with entire family. Thank you!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Amie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this review!
Laurie says
I bought some chicken thighs the other day and was looking for some easy and tasty recipes. (I typically don’t eat dark meat) This recipe was great! The rub was great and it was so quick in my airfryer. My family loved it, even myself! Definitely a keeper in my meal rotation!
Sara says
Hi,
I am planning on making this recipe during the week and was wondering if I can freeze it?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Sara, I’ve only stored mine in the refrigerator so I am unsure if it can be frozen, probably yes, but you would have to experiment with that.
Berni says
This was fabulous. It was super easy , tasty and moist in no time at all. Definitely a keeper !!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Berni! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this review!
Bob says
Loved the recipe! Family also all agreed, not often happens, best yet recipe. Do you have any on utube?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Bob! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this review! Yes I do! https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRecipeRebel
Cheryl says
It turned out great! My man loved it! Question: I know the preheating is 400 F, but is the cooking temp of the chicken also 400F?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Cheryl! Yes.
Bob says
I assumed it was and results were excellent
Mitsy says
I’m glad you asked because I wouldn’t have assumed this and I was about to try this recipe 😅
Sherry says
Great recipe – came out absolutely perfect. My family loved it & it will be a weekly staple.
Thanks so much for your recipe – looking forward to more air fryer recipes.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sherry!
JanetPlanet says
This was a great recipe. Came out perfectly and tasted amazing. Quick, tasty, healthy!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks!
Lucinda says
I have a question. What is Non Aerosol Cooking Spray?
Ashley Fehr says
If you are looking at cooking sprays in the oil aisle at the grocery store, there are those that say “no propellants” or non aerosol — it just means they are straight oil. The propellants can damage the air fryer liner
Phyllis says
Please more air fryer recipes. It’s such a new way to cook and I think most of us would like to find out the best way to do it in our air fryer
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Phyllis! I have lots more on the way! You can see all air fryer recipes here: https://www.thereciperebel.com/category/mains/air-fryer/