How Long Do You Air Fry Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs? The Ultimate Guide

Are you staring at a package of boneless skinless chicken thighs wondering exactly how long to cook them in your air fryer? You’re not alone! As a busy home cook, I’ve been there too – trying to get dinner on the table quickly while still making something delicious that the whole family will devour.

Air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs are seriously one of my favorite weeknight dinner solutions. They’re juicy flavorful and cook up in a fraction of the time compared to using the oven. Plus, they get that amazing crispy exterior without all the oil of traditional frying!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about cooking perfect boneless skinless chicken thighs in your air fryer.

The Perfect Timing for Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

The short answer? 15-20 minutes total is typically how long you need to air fry boneless skinless chicken thighs. But timing can vary based on several factors.

Here’s a handy reference chart for cooking times at different temperatures

Remember, these times are guidelines! Your exact cooking time will depend on:

• The size and thickness of your chicken thighs
• Your specific air fryer model
• Whether you preheat your air fryer
• How many thighs you’re cooking at once

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?

Before we dive deeper into cooking times let’s talk about why the air fryer is such a game-changer for chicken thighs

• Healthier option: Uses 70-80% less oil than traditional frying
• Super fast cooking: Much quicker than conventional oven methods
• Juicy results: The rapid air circulation seals in moisture
• Crispy exterior: Gets that delicious crispy texture without breading
• Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love these!

I switched to making our chicken thighs in the air fryer about a year ago, and my family actually prefers them this way now! My kids used to complain about bone-in chicken, but these boneless thighs are easy for them to eat and not greasy at all.

Step-by-Step: How to Air Fry Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Now let’s break down the exact process for perfect air fryer chicken thighs every time:

What You’ll Need:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4-6 thighs depending on size)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Your favorite seasonings (more on that below!)
• Cooking spray (I prefer avocado oil spray)
• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs for flipping

Basic Seasoning Mix:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is amazing here!)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional if you want some heat)

The Cooking Process:

1. Prep the chicken: Pat the thighs completely dry with paper towels. This step is CRUCIAL for getting crispy exterior!

2. Season well: Place chicken in a bowl or ziplock bag, drizzle with olive oil, then add seasonings. Mix thoroughly to coat all sides.

3. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F-390°F and preheat for about 5 minutes.

4. Arrange carefully: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place chicken thighs in a single layer. Do NOT overcrowd – this is super important! Cook in batches if needed.

5. Cook and flip: Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the thighs with tongs. Continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes.

6. Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Dark meat like thighs actually tastes better at 175-185°F where the connective tissues break down more.

7. Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This helps redistribute the juices for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Common Questions About Air Frying Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Do I need to flip the chicken thighs when air frying?

While some recipes say it’s optional, I always recommend flipping for the most even cooking. For the crispiest results, start with what would have been the skin side down, then flip to finish with that side up.

Can I cook frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Yes! But you’ll need to add about 5-10 minutes to the total cooking time. Start with 20 minutes and check for doneness, adding more time as needed until they reach 165°F internally.

Should I use oil when air frying chicken thighs?

Even though air fryers use less oil overall, I still recommend using a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) to coat the chicken thighs. This helps seasonings stick and promotes browning. A light spray on the air fryer basket also prevents sticking.

What if my chicken thighs are different sizes?

If your chicken thighs vary in size, try to group similar sizes together when cooking. Alternatively, you can start removing the smaller pieces as they reach temperature and continue cooking the larger ones.

Flavor Variations to Keep Things Interesting

The beauty of boneless skinless chicken thighs is how versatile they are! Here are some of my favorite seasoning combos:

Classic Herb & Garlic

Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and dried herbs like thyme or herbs de Provence.

Asian-Inspired

Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger for a teriyaki-style flavor.

BBQ & Smoky

Mix garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and brown sugar for sweet and smoky notes.

Mediterranean

Blend olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and onion powder.

You can even add your favorite sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for a glaze effect. Just be careful not to add sugary sauces too early as they can burn.

Tips for Perfectly Juicy & Crispy Results

After making these dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks:

• Pat dry thoroughly – Cannot stress this enough! Excess moisture prevents crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd – Arrange in a single layer with space between each piece.
• Use a meat thermometer – The most reliable way to check doneness.
• Let them rest – Give the chicken 5 minutes after cooking before cutting.
• Secret hack: Adding a tiny pinch of baking powder to your spice mix can help create extra crispy exteriors!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These versatile chicken thighs pair well with so many sides! Some of our favorites:

• Sautéed green beans
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Kale salad with lemon poppy seed dressing
• Air fryer radishes (since you’ve already got the air fryer out!)

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (we rarely do!), they keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, the air fryer works magic again! Just set to 350°F and heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This method maintains that crispy exterior much better than microwaving.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs are truly a weeknight dinner game-changer. With cooking times between 15-20 minutes and endless flavor possibilities, they’ve become a staple in our meal rotation.

The key takeaways for perfect results:

1. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry
2. Season generously
3. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
4. Cook at 380°F-390°F for about 15-20 minutes total
5. Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer
6. Let rest before serving

Happy air frying!

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Have you tried this method? Share your results or questions in the comments! And don’t forget to check out our other air fryer recipes for more quick and delicious dinner ideas.