Crispy Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe

Air Frying Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy, and budget-friendly cut of chicken that is perfect for the air fryer. Air frying is a healthy cooking method that uses little to no oil, resulting in chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside without being greasy.

Benefits of Cooking Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

There are many benefits to cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer:

• Air frying creates a crispy exterior without needing to bread or coat the chicken thighs
• With no need for added fats or oils, air fried chicken thighs are lower in calories and fat than deep fried or pan fried chicken
• The air fryer cooks food quickly, meaning your chicken thighs will be ready fast
• The constant circulation of hot air in the air fryer ensures the chicken thighs cook evenly
• Minimal preparation is required - simply season or marinate as desired
• Easy clean-up since air frying is so tidy and contained

Choosing Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs for Air Frying

When selecting chicken thighs to cook in your air fryer, opt for boneless and skinless thighs. Here's why:

• Boneless thighs allow for more even cooking and make the chicken easier to eat
• Skinless chicken thighs reduce overall fat and calories
• The air fryer will make the outside of the thighs crispy, so there's no need for the skin
• Boneless, skinless thighs are very versatile and pair well with any seasonings

Seasoning and Preparing Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs for the Air Fryer

One of the best aspects of air frying chicken thighs is that minimal preparation is required before cooking. However, to add lots of flavor, you'll want to season or marinate the chicken thighs first:

Seasoning Options

• Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin
• Italian seasoning or Italian dressing marinade
• Barbecue rub or sauce
• Jerk seasoning
• Cajun or Creole seasoning
• Lemon pepper or lime juice and zest
• Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano

How to Prepare for Air Frying

Keep prep simple for air fried chicken thighs:

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels
2. Season or marinate the chicken as desired
3. Let the seasoned chicken sit while the air fryer preheats
4. Brush or spray a small amount of oil on the chicken before air frying (optional)

Air Fryer Temperature and Cook Times for Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

One of the handiest things about an air fryer is how quick and easy it makes cooking proteins like chicken thighs. Here are temperature and cook time guidelines:

Air Fryer Temperature

The best temperature to cook boneless, skinless chicken thighs is 380°F.

Cook Time

Cook times can vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the thighs. For 4-6 boneless, skinless thighs, the average cook times are:

• 12-15 minutes
• Flip thighs halfway through cook time
• Check temperature by cutting into a thigh to confirm they are 165°F internally

Tips for Air Frying

• Use cooking spray or brush a small amount of oil to promote browning if needed
• Flip the chicken thighs halfway during cook time for even cooking
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket
• Check internal temp with a meat thermometer for food safety

Full Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Recipe

Follow this simple recipe for fool-proof boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer!

Ingredients:

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tsp seasoning of choice (salt, pepper, chili powder, etc)

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towel
2. Brush or spray both sides with oil
3. Season both sides with seasoning
4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F
5. Cook thighs for 6 minutes
6. Flip thighs and cook 6-9 more minutes until 165°F internally
7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Serve With:

• Rice or roasted potatoes
• Sauteed vegetables like peppers, broccoli, zucchini
• Salad or fresh greens

For even more flavor, use a marinade, spice rub, or sauce during prep. You can also toss the cooked chicken thighs in barbecue or Buffalo sauce before serving.

FAQs About Air Frying Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

Should chicken thighs be marinated before air frying?

Marinating is optional but recommended to infuse the chicken thighs with lots of flavor. Good marinades for air fried chicken thighs include Italian dressing, barbecue sauce, jerk marinade, garlic and herb marinade, Greek marinade with yogurt and lemon, and more. Marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.

Do you need to flip chicken thighs during air frying?

Yes, flipping the chicken thighs halfway during the cook time is important for even cooking. The hot air circulates and crisps all sides of the chicken.

How do you know when chicken thighs are done in the air fryer?

Chicken thighs are fully cooked in the air fryer once their internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness. The thighs should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when fully cooked.

What if my chicken thighs are not crispy after air frying?

If your chicken thigh exteriors are not as crispy as you'd like after air frying, brush or spray them lightly with oil before cooking. You can also extend the cook time by 2-3 minutes. As long as they have reached 165°F internally, they will be safe to eat.

FAQs

Can you air fry chicken thighs from frozen?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer! Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Check that the thighs have reached an internal temp of 165°F with a meat thermometer before removing from the air fryer.

What if my air fried chicken thighs are dry?

If your air fried thighs come out too dry, try marinating them first next time. Using a meat thermometer also helps avoid overcooking. Check thighs at the minimum cook time and allow them to rest before serving.

How long does it take to preheat an air fryer?

Most air fryers only take 3-5 minutes to preheat fully. Refer to your specific model's manual for accurate preheat times. For chicken thighs, preheat to 380°F before air frying.

Can I reheat leftover air fried chicken thighs?

Yes, leftover air fried chicken reheats very well! You can reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until hot. Or reheat in the microwave or oven.