Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: My Secret for Juicy Weeknights (Print Version)

Get the juiciest boneless, skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs every time! My easy recipe for weeknight dinners, packed with flavor and personal tips.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 18 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Event

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Flavor Foundation

02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder

→ The Spice Rack Stars

04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
06 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
07 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Optional Zing

09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken thighs super dry with paper towels. Honestly, this is a game-changer for getting that amazing crust; moisture is the enemy of crispiness! I remember the first time I skipped this step, and the chicken was just...steamed. Not what we're going for! Trim any excess fat if you want, but I usually leave a little because it helps keep these boneless, skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs extra juicy. You want them ready to soak up all that flavor.
02 - In a medium bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the dried chicken thighs. Then, sprinkle generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands and really massage that seasoning into every nook and cranny. I used to just sprinkle it on top, but really rubbing it in ensures every bite of these boneless, skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is packed with flavor. Don't be shy!
03 - Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for even cooking and that beautiful golden-brown exterior. I didn't expect that a few minutes of preheating would make such a difference, but it does! While it's heating up, I usually line my counter with paper towels, because, let's be real, kitchen messes happen, especially when I'm rushing to get dinner on the table.
04 - Arrange the seasoned boneless, skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it, hon! If they're too close, they'll steam instead of crisp, and we've already had that disaster, right? You might need to cook them in batches, and that's totally fine. Patience is a virtue, especially when you're aiming for perfectly cooked Air Fryer Chicken Thighs.
05 - Cook the boneless, skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Every air fryer is a little different, so keep an eye on them! I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be 165°F (74°C). There's nothing worse than dry chicken, and honestly, a thermometer is your best friend here. The kitchen starts smelling amazing around this point, by the way!
06 - Once cooked, transfer the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This little break allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is super tender and moist. Trust me, don't skip this! Then, if you're feeling fancy, sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley. It looks pretty and adds a lovely fresh note. Enjoy your perfectly cooked boneless, skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken thighs bone dry before seasoning; it's the secret to a crispy exterior!
02 - Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; I made that mistake once, and my chicken was sad and soggy.
03 - Use a meat thermometer to ensure your boneless, skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs reach 165°F (74°C) for perfect juiciness.
04 - Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crisp.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air Fryer
02 - Meat Thermometer
03 - Mixing Bowl
04 - Tongs

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 300-350
Total Fat: 18-22g
Total Carbohydrate: 2-4g
Protein: 30-35g

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