Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs: Perfect Timing

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare a tasty meal. Air fryers can cook chicken thighs to be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in under 30 minutes. This article will cover how long to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to get the best results.

How to season boneless chicken thighs for the air fryer

Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a quick, tasty, and juicy meal. They are versatile and can be seasoned in many ways to suit your taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs (4-6 pieces)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano or dried parsley
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Lemon (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. It is important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help the chicken develop a crispy exterior.
• Combine your chosen spices and brown sugar (if using) in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the spice measurements to your taste.
• Drizzle or brush the chicken thighs with olive oil or cooking spray. This step will help the spices adhere to the chicken and promote a crispy texture.
• Generously rub the spice blend all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. You can use your hands or a brush to do this.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes on the first side.
• Flip the chicken thighs using tongs and cook for an additional 6-10 minutes on the second side. The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the chicken thighs.
• Check the doneness of the chicken thighs using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure safe consumption.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice (optional) and your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Tips:

• You can use a variety of spices and herbs to season your chicken thighs, such as cumin, thyme, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning.
• If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can extend the cooking time by a minute or two, keeping a close eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.
• For a well-rounded meal, pair the chicken thighs with a side of quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad.

How long to cook boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook chicken thighs, locking in moisture and flavour while crisping up the outside. Boneless chicken thighs are quicker to cook than bone-in thighs, and can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. You'll want to use between 4 and 6 boneless chicken thighs, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 2: Oil and season

Next, you'll want to add some oil and seasoning to your chicken. You can use olive oil, grape seed oil, canola oil or vegetable oil. Spray the chicken with oil, or brush it on with a pastry brush. You'll want to use around 1 tablespoon of oil for 6 chicken thighs.

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or add some extra spices. Some suggestions include garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, dried parsley, brown sugar, or Italian seasoning. You'll want to use around 1/8 teaspoon of salt per chicken thigh, and a similar amount of your chosen seasonings.

Step 3: Air fry

Now it's time to cook your chicken! Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Set the air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. You may want to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which you can check with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 4: Rest and serve

Finally, let your chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices and ensures your chicken is nice and moist.

Cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy meal on the table in less than 30 minutes. With just a few simple steps, you can have juicy, flavourful chicken that your whole family will love.

How to store leftover boneless chicken thighs

Leftover boneless chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure the container is airtight to keep the chicken fresh and prevent odours from escaping or entering.

Leftovers are great for meal prepping and quick lunches. You can chop up the leftover chicken and use it in recipes such as chicken noodle soup, stir-fry, casseroles, or creamy pasta dishes. You can also reheat the chicken in an air fryer by adding 1/4 water to the bottom of the air fryer basket and cooking for 7-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to reheat boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer

If you have leftover boneless chicken thighs, you can easily reheat them in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Chicken Thighs

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). While the air fryer is heating up, take your refrigerated leftover chicken thighs out of the fridge and let them come up to room temperature for a few minutes. You can also use frozen chicken thighs, but make sure to thaw them first.

Step 2: Add Water to the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, add about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. This will help create a moist environment and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Step 3: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Overlapping chicken thighs may lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Step 4: Reheat the Chicken Thighs

Close the air fryer and reheat the chicken thighs for 7 to 10 minutes at 350°F (177°C). The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs, as well as your air fryer model. Check on them occasionally to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 5: Check the Temperature and Serve

To ensure your chicken thighs are properly reheated, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Once they have reached this temperature, they are safe to eat. Serve the reheated chicken thighs with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Tips for Reheating Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer:

• If your chicken thighs feel dry before reheating, you can brush them with a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil to add some moisture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Space the chicken thighs out to allow for even heating.
• If you're in a hurry, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. However, keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
• You can also reheat boneless chicken thighs in the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 45 to 90 seconds, or until warmed through.

What to serve with boneless chicken thighs

Salads

Salads are a great way to serve boneless chicken thighs, especially during the summer. A refreshing cucumber quinoa salad or a zucchini salad with marinated feta can be a perfect pairing. For a more elegant option, try an asparagus and spinach salad with sweet pecans and a tangy dressing.

Vegetables

There are endless options when it comes to vegetables as a side dish. You could try roasted vegetables, such as cauliflower, parmesan zucchini, broccoli, or carrots. For a Middle Eastern twist, serve with pita triangles and hummus. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try bacon-wrapped asparagus or roasted beetroot and potatoes.

Potatoes

Potatoes are always a popular choice, and there are several ways to prepare them. You could go for classic mashed potatoes, baked garlic herb potato wedges, or loaded baked potatoes with bacon bits, chives, and sour cream. For a crispier option, try waffle fries with chipotle mayo or air fryer baked potatoes.

Rice and Noodles

Rice and noodles are a great option to accompany chicken thighs. Try coconut creamed spinach with rice or sesame noodle salad. For a more substantial dish, serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls.

Soups

Chicken thighs can also be served with a variety of soups. Try a classic tomato soup, or for something more indulgent, go for cauliflower leek and potato soup.

Other Options

Some other options to serve with boneless chicken thighs include broccoli and cauliflower gratin, spinach artichoke dip, or tater tots.

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs Cooking Time

Now that you know what to serve with your boneless chicken thighs, here's a quick overview of the cooking process and timing:

• Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F.
• Prepare your chicken thighs by patting them dry, trimming any excess fat, and coating them with oil and your chosen seasonings.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 4-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Serve immediately with your chosen sides and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions