These Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and crispy, like deep fried chicken, but healthier! They are made with very little oil and just a simple dry rub, using ingredients you likely already have on hand. Ready in less than 20 minutes and a total crowd pleaser – perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Reason number 9 million that I love my Air Fryer- these Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs.
We probably make them three times a month. They are just THAT good, crazy easy, and my whole family loves them. And it seems like a lot of my readers agree – these chicken thighs are consistently a favorite recipe on Confessions.
There’s something so irresistible about them. Juicy and crispy, yet they are made with barely any oil and with boneless, skinless chicken thighs and the to die for spice rub.
So basically if you haven’t made them yet, this is the sign to go for it, friend!
New to Air Frying? Check out my The BEST Healthy Air Fryer Recipes post for tons of recipe ideas!
Why you’ll make these again and again
- The chicken is juicy and crispy – even without the skin thanks to the magic of the Air Fryer and the caramelization of the dry rub.
- The spice rub is incredibly easy to mix together and also tastes incredible on these thighs or any type of meat.
- We all love this chicken as a dinner protein with a side of Sautéed Zucchini, and Copycat Rice a Roni, but it’s also so yummy on top of a salad or mixed into pasta like this Healthy Alfredo Sauce recipe.
- These air fried chicken thighs are gluten and dairy free, low carb, and Whole30 compatible (just omit the brown sugar).
- From fryer to plate, I can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Be sure to check the recipe card below for exact amounts and instructions!
For the Chicken:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Bone-in chicken thighs would also work just fine, you will just need to cook them longer. If you prefer white meat, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins instead. If you buy boneless thighs with the skin, you can remove the skin first or just leave it on if you like crispy skin.
- Olive oil or avocado oil – You’ll only use a tiny bit of this. Any other liquid cooking oil, or even cooking spray will also work.
For the Best Ever Dry Rub:
Simple pantry spices are all you need for this delicious seasoning mixture. I use a combination of the following:
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- smoked paprika or regular paprika
- oregano
- brown sugar or coconut sugar
- kosher salt and black pepper
If you have a different dry rub blend that you prefer, you can definitely use it. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne. Or, use an Italian seasoning blend for a delicious Italian chicken dinner! We also love chicken with lemon pepper seasoning and my kids like anything with just garlic powder and salt.
Instructions
This recipe is SO easy – perfect for even for the busiest weeknight! It comes together in just a few simple steps.
Full instructions and nutritional information can be found in the recipe card below.
- Step one: preheat your air fryer
It takes a few minutes to preheat the fryer, so it’s best to do this before you start prepping the recipe.
- Step two: tenderize the chicken
Chicken thighs almost always have an uneven thickness. Use the flat end of a meat mallet to gently flatten them to an even thickness. This ensures that the thighs will cook evenly.
After tenderizing, use paper towels to dry the chicken. This will help the spice rub stick to the meat.
- Step three: the spice rub
Measure your spices into a small bowl and mix together. TIP: you will fall in love with this dry rub, so make a triple batch and store in a mason jar in your pantry! Use it on all the meat!
Next, use a basting brush or non-stick spray to apply a light coating of oil onto the thighs.
Then, sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the spices.
- Step four: air fry, rest, and serve!
Place the thighs into the fryer basket in a single layer – avoid overlapping any pieces to allow the air to circulate. Air Fry in the preheated air fryer until chicken is golden and juices run clear, about 16-18 minutes, turning halfway through cook time.
A digital meat thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F, but I prefer the internal temperature to be at least 180 degrees F for dark meat.
Expert tips
- Don’t skip tenderizing the chicken – if you don’t have a meat tenderizer, use anything heavy – rolling pin, can of veggies, or your giant water bottle.
- Be sure you dry your chicken before applying the oil and the spice rub. This will help your spice rub be able to caramelize.
- For extra crispiness, use skin on chicken.
- Be sure you have space between your chicken or it will steam instead of “fry”
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is properly cooked – I prefer dark meat to be between 180-190 degrees F.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To prep ahead: This chicken recipe is delicious for meal prep – I use it all the time for salads,
- To store: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat: I like using the air fryer on warm to reheat chicken, but often I eat this chicken cold on a salad or I add it to a soup or sauce instead of reheating it on it’s own.
- To freeze: Yes, you can make a large batch of these and freeze them in a freezer safe ziplock bag or container. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make it a meal!
I love these Chicken Thighs for a quick and easy dinner because they legit pair with basically anything! We most often make it with my Homemade Rice a Roni and a quick steamed veggie. I also use it as a protein for my Kale Caesar Salad. Some of our other favorite side dishes are Greek Pasta Salad, Homemade French Fries, and Easy Gluten-free Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.
As I mentioned before, I also LOVE this chicken with my Healthy Alfredo Sauce, some noodles, and steamed broccoli! It’s one of my favorite combinations!
Looking for more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes? Check these out:
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Krispie Airfryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
- Healthy Chicken Parmesan | The Foodie and The Fix
- Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Chicken Thighs | Stay Snatched
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating and a review in the comments section! We love hearing from you!
Easy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Sprinkle pepper
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees.
- Use a meat tenderizer to pound any thick parts of the chicken thigh so that they are as close to uniform thickness as possible.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and brush each piece with olive oil or olive oil spray.
- Combine seasonings in a small bowl and sprinkle half the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Turn thighs over and evenly sprinkle remaining seasoning mixture on top. Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Fry in the preheated air fryer until chicken is golden and juices run clear, about 16-18 minutes, turning halfway. A digital meat thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.
- **See notes for Oven Directions
Sherry Remzi says
This will bring your air fried chicken thighs from meh to delicious. The seasoning mix makes them beautifully brown. If you need a quick dinner recipe after a long day, this is it.
Nancylynn says
Ahh Sherry! Thank you! I totally agree!
Helen Clarke says
Air fryer
Margie Clifft says
I always look forward to this recipe! It never fails to amaze me how delicious it is !
Nancylynn says
Love this comment, Thank you!
Margie Clifft says
These are amazing and on my weekly menu most every week! Sometimes I share with my neighbor and his wife since I always buy the big packages of the chicken! Thank you so much Nancylynn! Definitely a keeper!
Nancylynn says
What a kind neighbor, Margie! I want to live near you!!
Cheryl says
If I use chicken breasts, how long should I air fry them for?
Nancylynn says
Hi Cheryl! You can cook them at 380 for 10 minutes, flip the chicken breasts, and then cook for 6-8 more minutes. Definitely use a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked to an internal temp of 165 degrees F.
Carrie says
So stinkin’ delish!!! I never thought I was a chicken thigh fan… this recipe proved that boy, was I wrong. I can’t wait to make them again!
Staci says
Can you use breasts instead? Any changes on how to prepare in air fryer??
Dee says
Nutrition values please sodium potassium. Thanks
Nancylynn says
Nutrition info for this recipe was just added to the recipe card – thank you for your patience while we slowly update all recipes!
Kim says
What is the serving size? 2 thighs?
Nancylynn says
Yes. And if you are following the 21 Day Fix, measure in your RED container.
Autumn says
This is so so yummy! Easy too! Wonderful for a quick meal the whole family enjoyed!
Nikki says
These were AHHHMAZING!! Such a simple recipe, but the flavor was sooo good!! One of my littles, the picky eater one, asked for “meat” for her lunch!❤ This will definitely be on our dinner rotation!
Nancylynn says
That is the BEST news! Love a picky eater endorsement- thank you!