Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are juicy inside, lightly crisp outside, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, they’re versatile enough to season with herbs, BBQ sauce, or marinades. With minimal effort and easy cleanup, they’ll quickly become your go-to chicken recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Optional for BBQ version: 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prep: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and chili powder. Coat chicken evenly.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in basket in a single layer. Cook 7–9 minutes.
- Flip: Turn thighs and cook another 7–9 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional BBQ: Brush with BBQ sauce before, during, or after cooking for different glaze effects.
- Rest & serve: Let rest 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Flip halfway for even cooking and crispiness.
- Use marinades like citrus-herb, soy-ginger, or spicy chili for variety (marinate 30 mins to overnight).
- Check doneness with a thermometer: 165°F (74°C) at thickest part.
- For reheating: Air fry leftovers at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14–18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken thighs air fryer, crispy air fryer chicken, bbq chicken thighs air fryer, healthy weeknight chicken recipe