Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. It typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer, depending on the size of the chicken, the temperature, and the model of the air fryer. For best results, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through.

Cooking time varies depending on the size of the chicken thighs, the temperature and the model of your air fryer

The model of your air fryer can also impact the cooking time. Different air fryer models have different cooking times, so it is important to check the instructions for your specific model. Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through, as this can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs.

To cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for the recommended time, flipping halfway through. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken is juicy and tender.

Cooking time for bone-in chicken thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken thighs, the temperature of the air fryer, and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook bone-in chicken thighs in an air fryer for 16 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

To check if the chicken thighs are cooked through, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. The FDA considers chicken cooked at 165°F, but the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests, so it is important to check early to avoid overcooking. An instant-read thermometer is a good budget option to ensure your chicken is cooked properly.

While using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provides better protection from dry meat than boneless skinless chicken thighs, it is still possible to overcook chicken thighs. To prevent this, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the meat during the cooking process.

Some recipes recommend letting the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender final product.

Marinading and seasoning

Boneless chicken thighs are a great option for a quick and easy meal, as they take less time to cook than bone-in chicken thighs. While the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs, the temperature you are cooking at, and the model of your air fryer, you can typically expect them to take around 15-20 minutes to cook through.

When it comes to marinading and seasoning your boneless chicken thighs, there are a few different options you can consider. One option is to use a dry rub made from common spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will give your chicken a delicious, crispy coating. You can also experiment with different spice blends to find your favourite flavour profile. If you're short on time, you can simply season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking.

Another option is to create a wet marinade. This can be made with ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs. Simply combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl, add the chicken thighs, and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more intense flavour.

If you're using a wet marinade, be sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer. This will help ensure that they get nice and crispy. You can also use a combination of a dry rub and a wet marinade for extra flavour.

Regardless of which seasoning or marinading method you choose, it's important to remember that boneless chicken thighs are more prone to drying out than bone-in chicken thighs. To help prevent this, consider using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. According to the FDA, chicken is considered cooked at 165°F, but the temperature will continue to rise as it rests, so be sure to remove it from the air fryer a few degrees early.

Using a meat thermometer to check the chicken is cooked

Cooking boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs, the temperature of the fryer, and the model of the fryer.

To check that the chicken is cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, making sure not to touch any bones. For chicken to be considered cooked, it needs to reach a temperature of 165°F. However, the temperature will continue to rise as the chicken rests, so it's best to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 155°F.

An instant-read thermometer is a good option for checking the temperature of chicken, as it can provide a quick and accurate reading. These thermometers are relatively inexpensive and can help ensure that your chicken is cooked perfectly.

When using a meat thermometer, it's important to follow food safety guidelines to avoid cross-contamination. Wash the thermometer with hot, soapy water before and after use, and avoid touching the probe to any surfaces that may be contaminated.

Resting time after cooking

It is important to let your chicken thighs rest after cooking to ensure they are cooked through and to allow the juices to settle. This will ensure the meat is tender and juicy.

The resting time for boneless chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken thighs, the temperature of the air fryer, and the model of the air fryer. Typically, the resting time for boneless chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer is between 5 and 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the chicken will continue to cook slightly during the resting time, so it is best to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 160°F. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked to the recommended temperature of 165°F without becoming overcooked.

To check the doneness of the chicken thighs, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, making sure not to touch any bones. If the chicken has reached the recommended temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to serve with the chicken. Some suggested sides include lemon wedges, fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or thyme, and roasted vegetables.

Frequently asked questions