Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs: Perfect Timing

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal to make for lunch or dinner. They are tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer, but generally, boneless chicken thighs take between 11 to 20 minutes to cook at 380°F to 400°F.

How to prepare the chicken before air frying

Preparing chicken before air frying is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Firstly, it is important to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the chicken is not too moist, promoting a crispier texture during cooking. Next, you can choose to trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs for a leaner and healthier outcome.

After patting the chicken dry, it is time to season the meat. You can use a variety of seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. For a more complex flavour profile, you might want to add brown sugar and cornstarch to the mix. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your favourite blend. Once you have selected your seasonings, combine them in a small bowl and generously coat the chicken on both sides. You can use your fingers to gently pat and rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken, ensuring an even and thorough coating.

If you have the time, you can let the chicken sit with the spices for a more intense flavour. However, if you are in a hurry, you can place the chicken directly into the air fryer after seasoning. It is also worth noting that if you are using cornstarch, it is best to add it just before placing the chicken in the air fryer.

How long to cook the chicken for

The cooking time for your chicken thighs will depend on whether they are boneless or bone-in, and whether they are skinless or skin-on. The cooking time will also vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer.

Boneless Chicken Thighs

If your chicken thighs are boneless, you should air fry them for a total of 11-15 minutes at 400°F. You do not need to flip them during the cooking time. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Bone-in Chicken Thighs

If your chicken thighs are bone-in, air fry them at 400°F for 12 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 7-12 minutes. Again, the chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Skin-on Chicken Thighs

If your chicken thighs have skin, it is best to cook them skin-side down first. This will help the skin to crisp up.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it does not touch the bone. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Resting the Chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, it is a good idea to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more juicy and flavorful.

What temperature to cook the chicken at

When preparing boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. The ideal temperature for cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer is between 380°F and 400°F.

For boneless chicken thighs, you should preheat your air fryer to 380°F and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Then, flip each piece and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For bone-in chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken for 12 minutes. Then, flip and cook for an additional 7 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

It is important to note that cook times may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

How to check if the chicken is cooked

How to Check If Your Chicken Is Cooked

Checking the Internal Temperature

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer to observe the internal temperature of the meat. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This temperature is necessary to burn off all the bacteria in the meat, so lower temperatures are not safe.

Checking the Colour of the Meat

If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check if your chicken is cooked by looking at the colour of the meat. The meat of raw chicken is often pinkish, and when cooked, it should be white or brown, depending on the part of the chicken. However, using a thermometer is a more accurate way to check if your chicken is cooked, as colour alone may not be a reliable indicator.

What to serve the chicken with

Chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served with almost anything. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried boneless chicken thighs:

Potatoes

Oven-roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, air fryer baked potatoes, or crispy smashed potatoes with horseradish and sea salt are all great options to accompany your chicken thighs. For a lighter option, you could try cauliflower tots or cauliflower rice.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts would be a tasty and healthy side dish. You could also try roasted beet and citrus salad, green beans with browned butter almondine, or cold lemon zoodles.

Rice or Couscous

Brown rice, lemon rice, or herb-infused couscous would be a great source of whole grains to go with your chicken.

Salad

A crunchy kale salad, orzo pesto salad, or a leafy green strawberry goat cheese salad would be refreshing options to serve with your chicken.

Bread

Some garlic bread or dinner rolls would be a great addition to your meal.

Other Ideas

Other ideas include quinoa Brussels sprout gratin with smoked cheddar, quinoa or rice pilaf, broccoli and cauliflower gratin, or Greek wedge salad.

Frequently asked questions