Discover the recipe for irresistibly crispy air fryer chicken thighs, completely boneless and ready to eat! This blog post will guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring your chicken comes out of the air fryer golden brown on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Ready to take your air fryer skills to the next level? Master the art of cooking juicy and tender air fryer boneless chicken thighs. From seasoning secrets to cooking time hacks, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to dry and boring chicken!
Let’s delve into why you’ll love this particular air fryer chicken thigh recipe UK.
Why you’ll love this boneless Air fryer chicken thighs recipe
Whether you prefer a mild or spicy kick, you can easily adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavour profile in the air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs.
One of the key advantages of using an air fryer is its ability to produce crispy, golden skin without the need for excessive oil. To achieve that irresistible crunch, make sure to pat your chicken thighs dry before seasoning them. This removes any excess moisture, allowing the skin to get beautifully crisp as it cooks.
Chicken thighs are the secret weapon of this air fryer recipe, offering a rich and succulent meat that’s packed with flavour. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs have a higher fat content, which adds moisture and juiciness to every bite. As they cook in the air fryer, the skin becomes irresistibly crispy, creating a delightful contrast to the tender meat within.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a delicious and impressive meal that will have everyone asking for the air fryer chicken thighs recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this boneless air fryer chicken thigh recipe is foolproof and guarantees outstanding results every time.
Ingredients
For the full recipe and instructions scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card.
Choosing the Perfect Chicken Thighs
Choosing the perfect chicken thighs is essential to achieving the ultimate juicy chicken thighs in your air fryer. It all starts with selecting high-quality fresh boneless skinless chicken thighs. Look for thighs that are plump, moist and have a vibrant colour.
While boneless skinless thighs are a popular choice for those seeking a healthier option, keeping the skin on can add an extra layer of flavour and help lock in moisture during cooking. If you’re a fan of crispy, golden skin, opt for skin-on thighs. But if you prefer a leaner option, skinless thighs will still yield deliciously juicy results.
Size matters too when it comes to selecting chicken thighs. Look for thighs that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. This will help you avoid overcooking smaller pieces or undercooking larger ones. If necessary, you can trim any excess fat or uneven edges for more uniform cooking.
How to Make Air fryer chicken thighs – Step by Step
Keep scrolling to find the full printable instructions and ingredient quantities.
Line your air fryer with tin foil or greaseproof paper and lay in your chicken thighs.
Season your thighs with the seasonings of your choice and add a little oil.
Cook your chicken thighs in the air fryer until they are white all the way through and reach temperature.
Remove your chicken from the air fryer and slice ready for your sandwich, curry or stir fry.
Air fryer chicken thighs Top Tips
Flip your chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even and full cooking. Make sure that you add oil to both sides as well.
A helpful tip is to preheat your air fryer before cooking your chicken thighs. This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed and the chicken cooks more efficiently. Preheating also helps to achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Another time-saving hack is using boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer. These chicken thighs cook faster compared to bone-in and skin-on ones. So, if you’re short on time or looking for a quick meal, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will have your dinner on the table in no time.
Seasoning Ideas for Boneless Chicken Thighs
Seasoning plays a crucial role in elevating the flavour of your dish and creating a truly mouthwatering experience. So here are some seasoning ideas for your boneless air fryer chicken thighs.
One important rule to remember is to always season your chicken thighs generously. Chicken thighs have a bit more natural flavour compared to other cuts, but they still benefit from a boost of seasoning. Whether you prefer a dry rub or a marinade, be sure to cover every inch of the chicken.
When it comes to seasoning, don’t limit yourself to just salt and pepper. Experiment with a variety of herbs, spices, and even citrus zest to bring out the best flavours in your chicken thighs. For a classic and versatile option, try a combination of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Once you’ve seasoned your chicken thighs, let them sit for a while to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. This step is crucial in ensuring that every bite is infused with your chosen seasonings. You can refrigerate the seasoned chicken thighs for a few hours or even overnight for maximum flavour.
Serving Suggestions for Air fryer chicken thighs
Pair with Fresh Herbs and Citrus
Boost the flavours of your chicken thighs by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice before serving. The bright acidity will balance out the richness of the meat, while the zesty aroma will awaken your taste buds. Finely chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a burst of freshness.
Create a Flavorful Dipping Sauce
A delicious dipping sauce can be the perfect accompaniment to your air fryer chicken thighs. Whether you prefer tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo, a well-paired sauce can add an extra layer of flavour and excitement to each bite.
Serve your Air fryer chicken thighs with a Side of Veggies
To create a well-rounded meal, serve your skinless chicken thighs with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables. Not only will this add colour and variety to your plate, but it will also provide a healthier balance to the richness of the chicken.
You can use your air fryer to make roast veggies, such as roast carrots, brussels sprouts or roast potatoes in the air fryer for a full meal.
Turn Leftovers into Exciting New Dishes
If you happen to have leftovers from your air fryer chicken thighs, don’t let them go to waste! They can be transformed into delicious new dishes. Shred the leftover chicken and use it as a topping for salads, stuff it into tacos or sandwiches, or incorporate it into a flavorful stir-fry.
Equipment
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I use the Cosori Air Fryer 4.7L air fryer and I would really recommend it. It’s easy to use and really easy to clean too. It has clear-to-use buttons and an easy-to-remove basket for cleaning.
Substitutions and variations
Spicy Cajun Kick
If you’re a fan of bold and fiery flavours, then this variation is for you. Create a mouthwatering spice rub by mixing together paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Generously coat your boneless , skinless chicken thighs with this flavourful mixture and let them marinate for at least an hour, ideally overnight. Air fry as usual, and you’ll end up with beautifully spiced chicken thighs that are bursting with smoky heat.
Zesty Lemon Herb
For a lighter and refreshing twist, try infusing your chicken thighs with a burst of citrusy flavors. Squeeze the juice of a lemon over the chicken thighs and generously sprinkle them with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Let the flavors mingle for a while before air frying, and you’ll be rewarded with tender and aromatic chicken thighs that are perfect for a summery salad or light sandwich.
Honey Mustard Glaze
If you have a sweet tooth, this variation is a must-try for the skinless chicken thighs in air fryer. Create a sticky glaze by combining honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a dash of soy sauce. Brush this glaze over your chicken thighs before air-frying them to perfection. The result? Sticky, caramelised goodness that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Teriyaki Twist on chicken thighs
Whisk together soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar to create a savoury marinade. Let the chicken thighs soak up these flavours for at least an hour before cooking your chicken thighs in the air fryer. The result will be succulent chicken thighs coated in a glossy, sweet, and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Storing Air fryer chicken thighs/ Making ahead of time options
Chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer are super versatile, they can be cooked and eaten fresh in your dinner, left to cool and used in a sandwich or salad or you can freeze them ready for later use.
If you do freeze your skinless chicken thighs once cooked in air fryer, be sure to slice or shred them first. This will make defrosting them much easier.
air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs time and temperature
You should cook your boneless chicken thighs for about 15 minutes in the air fryer. You’ll also want to make sure your air fryer is set to about 200°C, this allows your chicken thighs to cook through well but doesn’t let them dry out.
Air Fryer FAQS
- Can you put aluminium foil in an air fryer?
- What is the rule for air fryer?
- Can greaseproof paper go in air fryer?
- Do air fryers heat from top or bottom?
- Can you put glass in air fryer?
- Are air fryers worth the effort?
Can you put aluminium foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put aluminium foil in an air fryer. Putting foil in the bottom of your air fryer is a great way to catch all the juices that run off your food and speed up the cleanup of your air fryer after cooking. If you don’t want to use tin foil in the air fryer try silicon liners or greaseproof paper.
What is the rule for air fryer?
When taking a recipe from oven to air fryer, the general rule is to reduce the temperature by 20ºC – 30ºC and cook for 20% less time. But this can vary from appliance to appliance so keep an eye on your food whilst it cooks.
Can greaseproof paper go in air fryer?
Yes, greaseproof paper can go in the air fryer and is a great way to reduce your food sticking to the air fryer tray. If you don’t want to use tin foil in the air fryer try silicon liners or tin foil in your air fryer. All 3 options help to keep your air fryer in top-tip working conditions.
Do air fryers heat from top or bottom?
The heating element in most air fryers is at the top of the air fryer, heating from the top. But as they are fan-assisted, the air fryer heats up in all areas and helps to cook your food more evenly. Meaning you don’t want to overfill your air fryer basket as if it falls too close to the top, some bits may burn.
Can you put glass in air fryer?
Yes, you can put glass in the air fryer providing your dish is an oven safe dish. This means that it will be safe to put in your air fryer. Glass needs to be tempered to be able to withstand the high temperatures of the air fryer.
Are air fryers worth the effort?
Air fryers are such low effort that they are worth it. Being smaller than a large oven, they heat up faster and more evenly. Making it perfect for small-batch meals. You can either keep it on the counter or store your air fryer in the cupboard and just bring it out when you need to use it.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Optional extras / changes
- pinch salt and pepper (optional seasoning)
- fresh herbs to serve
- Spray oil (instead of olive oil)
Instructions
- Line the air fryer basket with aluminium foil.
- Place the chicken thighs on the aluminium foil.6 Chicken thighs
- Drizzle over the olive oil and any seasoning you want.1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Mix the oil and seasonings into the chicken using your hands or a spoon.
- Air fry the chicken thighs at 200°C / 400°F for approximately 12-14 minutes. (Depending on the size of the thighs)
- Halfway through I would recommend turning the chicken thighs over to ensure even cooking.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking time varies depending on the chicken thigh size.
- Perfect for lunch and dinner but also brilliant way to batch cook chicken for lunchboxes.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
We’re going through a kitchen remodel so I’ve been using my air fryer more often. I can’t wait to make these chicken thighs for dinner tonight!
Came out perfect, tender and juice — thank you! Did a honey mustard glaze and fries for an easy dinner.
This is a simple and easy method to make perfect chicken thighs. Very handy for those busy weeknights.
Perfectly tender and juicy! This air fryer chicken is a keeper!