Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs is a great and healthy dinner idea. With 20 minutes of cooking time and two simple ingredients, it couldn't be easier to make.
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I'm always looking for a simple meal that doesn't taste simple. I love using chicken for these types of recipes because it's the perfect protein for holding flavors and ingredients.
One of the easiest ways to cook chicken thoroughly is to add it to the air fryer. It works great because it cooks the chicken pieces evenly and quickly and makes every bite flavorful and juicy.
Plus, having a recipe for cooked chicken leaves the door open for any pairing of side dishes. Adding steamed veggies or a nice side salad are all doable options when making air fryer chicken thighs.
This has become one of my favorite go-to recipes during the week because it's so fast and simple. I love being able to cook it in the air fryer in just a few minutes. This gives everyone in the house time to be home and gather around the table to eat.
Plus, eating chicken is a great source of protein while still being low in fat. And remember that if you don't eat the chicken all up, you'll have leftovers that you can easily use throughout the rest of the week. Making larger meals that result in leftovers makes meal planning a breeze!
If you're a fan of chicken, make sure to check out my Garlic Butter Chicken Wings as well!
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thighs - Buy them prepared and ready to make this air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe super easy to prep and cook.
Dry rub - You can use any rub that you would like. Lemon pepper seasoning is a favorite of my kids so that is what I used in this recipe.
How to make Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. I line the air fryer basket with a silicone liner to prevent sticking.
Step Two: Season the chicken thighs.
Step Three: Place chicken thighs into the air fryer and cook for 12 minutes. Flip, and then cook for another 8 minutes.
Variations
Change up the rub - The seasoning I use for my Roasted Greek Chicken is another great idea. Keep in mind that most spices will go well with this chicken recipe, making it super versatile to create. I'm a fan of anything with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This is the homemade combo we use most often.
Marinade - You can also marinate the chicken before cooking it. We love this Keto Teriyaki Sauce or this Mexican Chicken Marinade. Just place the thighs in a gallon storage bag or bowl and cover them completely with the marinade of your choice. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Use barbecue sauce - If you're not a fan of adding a dry rub, you don't have to. You can easily use your favorite BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce as well.
Add toppings - After the chicken is cooked sprinkle on some cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles. Or you can use marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Just make sure to pair the spices with the toppings.
Common Questions
How do I keep this air fryer chicken thighs recipe from sticking to the air fryer basket?
If you're worried that the chicken will stick, just spray the basket with cooking spray, use a silicone liner, or use parchment paper designed for air fryers. Nonstick spray will help alleviate that worry. I use a sprayable olive oil that works really well.
Most air fryer baskets should already be nonstick, but it never hurts to add another layer of protection for peace of mind.
How do I make sure that my bone-in chicken thighs are cooked all the way?
First, make sure to add them to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Secondly, you have to check the internal temperature of the cooked chicken to see if it's cooked all the way through.
After the cooking time has passed, place a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, away from any bone, to get an accurate reading.
If the temperature reads 165 degrees, the chicken is done cooking and is ready to start the resting process. If the thermometer isn't showing that high of a reading, the chicken will need to be cooked longer.
Can I air fry all cuts of chicken?
You can. While I'm partial to these crispy chicken thighs, you can easily replicate this recipe for more air fryer chicken recipes.
This would work for air fryer chicken wings, chicken breast, and more. The cook time may vary, so this is where it's important to always check the internal temperature. Regardless of the cut, you should always end up with tender meat each time.
Do I need to pat the chicken with a paper towel before adding the seasonings?
No, you don't have to. Some people will do that, but it's not a rule.
Is cooking chicken in the air fryer healthy?
This chicken recipe is! It's low in carbohydrates, gluten-free, and low in calories, making it a delicious option. If you're on the keto diet, this is a simple way to get a "fried" chicken texture without actually having a breading.
What should I serve with air fryer boneless thighs?
This air fryer bok choy is a great choice. Other green vegetables, salads, or non-starchy vegetables will also work.
Just be sure that you pair low carb side dishes to keep with the low carb meal.
📖 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning (or other dry rub)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400. Rub the chicken with the seasoning.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs.
- Cook for 12 minutes. Flip. Cook for an additional 8 minutes or until 160.
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