How Long to Air Fry Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs for Perfectly Cooked and Juicy Results

Air frying boneless skinless chicken thighs is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, healthier meal in just minutes. With an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, tender chicken thighs with 75% less fat than deep frying. But knowing exactly how long to cook them is key to perfecting this simple recipe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master air frying boneless chicken thighs, from ideal cook times to expert tips for the best results.

Benefits of Cooking Boneless Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

Air frying boneless skinless chicken thighs has many advantages over other cooking methods:

• Quick cooking time – Cooks in just 18-22 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Much faster than baking.

• Crispy exterior – The circulating hot air makes the outside crispy without deep frying.

• Juicy interior – Thighs stay moist and tender thanks to minimal direct heat.

• Customizable flavor – Easily season or marinate as desired. The air fryer seals in flavors

• Healthier – Uses little to no oil for cooking, reducing calories and fat intake.

• Consistency – The enclosed cooking environment promotes even cooking with no guesswork

• Versatile – Thighs pair well with countless sides and sauces for mealtime creativity.

• Convenient – Simple cleanup since there’s minimal oil splatter. Most air fryer parts are dishwasher safe.

How Long to Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer

The ideal air fryer temperature for boneless chicken thighs is 380°F. At this temperature, thighs will cook through in 18-22 minutes with a perfectly crispy outside and moist interior. Here are the step-by-step cook times:

• Preheat air fryer at 380°F for 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken start crisping immediately.

• Cook thighs for 12-15 minutes on one side. Times vary slightly with thigh size.

• Flip thighs and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes.

• Check temperature by inserting a meat thermometer in the thickest part. It should reach 165°F.

• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The resting period helps lock in juices.

For crispier skin, add 1-2 minutes to the second cook time while monitoring closely to avoid overcooking. If reheating cooked thighs, allow 3-5 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness.

Tips for the Best Results When Air Frying Boneless Chicken Thighs

Follow these expert tips and tricks to take your air fried chicken thighs to the next level:

• Pat thighs dry before seasoning to help achieve crispy skin. Moisture prevents crispiness.

• Use a light coat of oil like avocado or olive oil to encourage browning and prevent drying out.

• Season generously with spices, herbs, or dry rubs for enhanced flavor. Air frying seals in seasonings.

• Flip halfway through to guarantee thighs brown evenly on both sides.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches for proper air circulation and crispiness.

• Brush on sauce in the last 2-3 minutes only to avoid burning.

• Let rest before serving so juices can redistribute through the meat.

• Check larger thighs early and add extra cook time if needed.

• Use a meat thermometer to test doneness rather than cutting into thighs.

How to Know When Boneless Chicken Thighs Are Done

Since thigh meat contains more fat and collagen than chicken breasts, it can be tricky to recognize when air fried thighs are fully cooked. Follow these visual and temperature cues:

• 165°F internal temperature – This is the minimum safe temperature for chicken. Use a meat thermometer for the most reliable doneness indicator.

• Skin is crispy and browned – The skin will develop a golden brown, crispy exterior when fully cooked.

• Meat is no longer pink – Slice into a thigh at the minimum cook time to check for pinkness. Return to cook if underdone.

• Juices run clear – Check the juices released when piercing the chicken. Clear juices signal doneness while pink juices mean more cook time is needed.

Allowing thighs to rest before cutting into them will result in the juiciest texture. If still unsure of doneness, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook a minute or two longer.

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipe and Serving Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the ideal cook times, you can follow this simple recipe for foolproof boneless chicken thighs every time.

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix spices in small bowl.

2. Toss chicken and oil in large bowl. Coat thoroughly with spice mixture.

3. Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Add thighs in single layer, smooth-side down.

4. Cook 12 minutes. Flip thighs and cook 6-8 minutes more until 165°F.

5. Allow thighs to rest 5 minutes before serving.

These juicy thighs pair perfectly with roasted veggies, rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or fresh green salads. For extra flavor, try tossing the cooked thighs in your favorite sauce like barbecue, buffalo, or teriyaki.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fried Chicken Thighs

Like most cooked chicken, leftovers from air fried boneless thighs will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 4 months.

To reheat, place thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through. The air fryer will help restore their original crispy texture.

Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals just until warmed through, then add crunch by quickly broiling the thighs for 1-2 minutes if desired.

Get Perfectly Cooked Juicy Chicken Thighs Every Time

Achieving tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs with crispy skin is easy with an air fryer. Cook between 380-400°F for 18-22 minutes, flip halfway, and use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Let thighs rest before serving to lock in moisture.

Season boldly, avoid overcrowding, and utilize a light oil coating for best results. In just minutes, you’ll be enjoying delicious air fried chicken thighs boasting maximum flavor and juiciness with minimal effort required.