Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Juicy, flavorful, and nearly impossible to mess up, these air fryer chicken thighs are weeknight perfection. They cook in 15 minutes, stay tender thanks to dark meat’s natural richness, and deliver a golden, seasoned exterior without oil splatter or complicated steps.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- to taste salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim excess fat if desired.
- Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne in a small bowl. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and coat evenly with spice mix.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange thighs in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner thighs as needed.
- Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Serve with rice, vegetables, wraps, or salads.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary. Season generously since thighs can handle bold flavors. Rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to keep juices locked in. For extra flavor, marinate 2–24 hours in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, or try a yogurt-based marinade for tenderizing.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 25gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 320mg
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