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Crispy on the outside and juicy in the center, Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are the perfect protein to serve with your favorite sides! These can be on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes, prep time included!

You may also love my baked boneless chicken thighs.

Top view of a round white bowl with steamed white rice and sliced air-fried boneless chicken thighs.
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Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs is one of my go-to choices for a quick and easy main for dinner. All you need is some olive oil, and taco seasoning, and in less than 30 minutes you can have these on the dinner table.

Air Frying Chicken Thighs

They’re fast, they’re flavorful, and because they’re cooked in the air fryer with very little oil, it is a lighter option than if you had pan-fried them.

Pair your air fryer chicken thighs with some couscous (how to make couscous) or Cilantro lime rice, and Garlic roasted veggies, and you’ll have a family-friendly meal that everyone will love!

Like to meal prep? This air-fried chicken thighs recipe is perfect for making ahead of time! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level
Beginner
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes

Ingredients needed

Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this dish. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.

ingredients to make air fryer chicken thighs
  • Chicken thighs: For this recipe, you’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which is typically about 4 thighs.
  • Olive oil: You may also use avocado Oil.
  • Taco seasoning: The perfect combo of flavorful spices. Try this homemade taco seasoning for amazing flavor!
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • Lemon juice
  • Parsley: Freshly chopped to garnish for extra color!

How to make air fryer chicken thighs

These could not be easier! This is the perfect quick protein for those weekdays that are super busy.

  1. Prep: Preheat the air fryer at 380ºF for 4 minutes.
  2. Add seasoning: Rub the chicken thighs with the taco seasoning making sure you fully coat them on all sides. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and drizzle with oil and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
  1. Cook: Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook at 380ºF for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  2. Serve: Chicken thighs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Recipe tips

  • Similar-sized thighs: It’s best if your chicken thighs are similar in size to ensure that they all cook at the same rate.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Don’t place too many thighs in the air fryer at once. If there is overlap, the air won’t be able to circulate, and the meat will not cook properly. If your air fryer is small, it may be necessary to cook in batches. Keep any cooked thighs warm by covering them with foil.
  • Check for doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Use an instant-read meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh to check. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can poke the thickest part and make sure that the juices run clear and you don’t see any pink.
  • Vary the seasoning: If you want to change these up, feel free to use different seasoning blends. Try using homemade Cajun seasoning or Homemade Italian seasoning to change the flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to cook thighs in an air fryer?

The amount of time it takes to cook boneless thighs in the air fryer will depend on the size of the thighs and the model of the air fryer. At 380 degrees F, it will take about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do you keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out?

Adding some oil to the outside of the chicken and also choosing to cook them in the air fryer rather than the oven will help keep these from becoming too dry.

Can I use Chicken breast?

Yes. You can swap the chicken thighs with chicken breasts or any other protein of your choice.

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs sliced and served over rice.

Serving suggestions

The best part about chicken is that it’s so versatile and is great served with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving options:

Storage recommendations

  • Storing leftovers: Allow chicken to completely cool, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the air fryer.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled thighs in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Sliced chicken served over rice with lemon slices.

More chicken recipes

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5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

By: Rena
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
top view of a round white bowl with steamed white rice and sliced air-fried boneless chicken thighs
Crispy on the outside and juicy in the center, Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are the perfect protein to serve with your favorite sides! These can be on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes, prep time included!

Video

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon + lemon slices, for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer at 380ºF for 4 minutes.
  • Rub the 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with the 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, making sure you fully coat them on all sides. Season with a pinch of Kosher salt and pepper and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and lemon juice.
    Adding taco seasoning to raw chicken thighs in a bowl.
  • Stir the chicken and the seasonings well to combine using your hand or a spatula.
    Chicken thighs marinating in a white bowl.
  • Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook at 380ºF for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
    Seasoned chicken thighs cooking in an air fryer.
  • Chicken thighs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley and Enjoy.
    Air fryer boneless chicken thighs cooking.

Notes

Storing leftovers: Allow chicken to completely cool, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the air fryer.
Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled thighs in an airtight freezer-safe storage container or bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 44gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 886mgPotassium: 572mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 424IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

About Rena Awada

Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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