Air-Fryer Crispy Boneless Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Recipe

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses boneless chicken thighs, which are coated in a simple spice rub and cooked in an air fryer until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The spice rub typically includes garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, but you can also add other spices like onion powder, oregano, or cayenne pepper for extra flavour.

Choosing the right chicken thighs

Freshness and Quality

Start by selecting fresh, high-quality chicken thighs from a reliable source. Look for chicken thighs with a smooth, moist surface and avoid those with dried-out or discoloured areas. Check the "best before" date and ensure the packaging is intact and undamaged.

Skin and Bone

While this recipe calls for boneless chicken thighs, you may choose to use bone-in or skin-on chicken thighs and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken thighs tend to be juicier due to the bone, while skin-on chicken thighs can provide a crispy texture. However, removing the skin before cooking will reduce the fat and calorie content, making it a healthier option.

Size and Quantity

Select chicken thighs of similar size to ensure even cooking. If you're cooking for a larger group, adjust the quantity accordingly, keeping in mind that you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer.

Trimming and Preparation

Before cooking, trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken thighs to promote a leaner and healthier outcome. You can also peel off the skin if you prefer, using a sharp knife or your fingers to gently separate it from the meat. This can be done before or after cooking, depending on your preference.

Storage and Freshness

If you're not cooking the chicken thighs immediately, proper storage is crucial. Keep them refrigerated and use them within a few days of purchase to ensure freshness. You can also freeze the chicken thighs for longer-term storage, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Personal Preference

Finally, consider your personal preferences and those of the people you're cooking for. Some people may prefer chicken thighs with the skin on for extra flavour and crispiness, while others may prefer them boneless and skinless for convenience or health reasons. You can also experiment with different spice rubs and marinades to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

Preparing the chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This will help the spices stick to the chicken and ensure crispy skin.

Next, prepare your spice rub. You can use a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can add your own twist with spices like onion powder, cumin, or chili powder. If you want to get creative, you can even add brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness.

Now it's time to coat the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and use your hands to ensure each piece is well coated.

For an extra crispy exterior, you can let the chicken marinate in the spice mixture for a few minutes. This will also help the flavors develop even more.

Once your chicken is ready, it's time to fire up the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. The temperature may depend on your air fryer model and your desired level of crispiness.

When the air fryer is hot, it's time to cook the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This will allow the hot air to circulate evenly and give you that crispy skin you're craving. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Now, let the air fryer work its magic! For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 10-15 minutes at 380-400°F. For bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 12 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for 7-12 minutes on the second side. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken thighs are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For fall-apart tender meat, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 175-185°F.

Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more juicy and flavorful.

Now, your crispy air fryer chicken thighs are ready to be devoured! Enjoy them as a main dish, slice them up for sandwiches or wraps, or get creative with your favorite sides.

Cooking the chicken

Now that you have gathered and prepared all your ingredients, it is time to cook the chicken!

First, preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F. You can lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray, or brush the chicken with a little bit of olive oil.

Next, pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This will help the spices stick to the chicken. Then, combine all your seasonings in a small bowl and season both sides of the chicken thighs, using your fingers to gently pat the seasoning mixture onto the chicken.

After that, place the chicken thighs smooth side down into the preheated air fryer, making sure they are not overlapping. This will ensure even cooking and a consistent crispy texture.

Now, it is time to air fry the chicken! For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 10 minutes, and then flip each piece with tongs and cook for another 4–5 minutes. If you are cooking bone-in chicken thighs, cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7–12 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Finally, let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more juicy and flavorful.

And that's it! Your crispy boneless chicken thighs are now ready to be served and enjoyed.

Serving suggestions

Salads

Chicken thighs can be sliced and served on a bed of leafy greens, such as a kale salad, or an orzo pesto salad. For a protein-packed lunch or dinner, add couscous and a lemon dressing to your salad.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Slice the chicken thighs and serve in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and your favourite sauce. Alternatively, wrap them up with some roasted vegetables, like parmesan zucchini or cauliflower, for a hearty lunch.

Rice and Couscous

Chicken thighs go well with rice or couscous. Try a rice pilaf, lemon rice, or a couscous salad.

Pasta

Pair your chicken with pasta. Some good options are creamy lemon caper pasta or roasted butternut squash pasta.

Potatoes

Chicken and potatoes is a classic combination. Try mashed potatoes, sweet potato mash, or homemade fries.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great side dish for chicken thighs. Try roasted cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

Soup

Chicken thighs can be added to a variety of soups, such as tomato soup, cauliflower leek potato soup, or butternut squash soup.

Bread

Serve your chicken with garlic bread or dinner rolls.

Other Sides

Some other side dish options include quinoa pilaf, herb-infused couscous, or roasted butternut squash.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating your air-fried chicken is a crucial part of the cooking process. Here is a comprehensive guide to ensure your chicken remains tasty and safe to eat.

Storing Your Chicken:

Firstly, it is important to note that chicken should not be left at room temperature for more than 30-60 minutes. It is recommended to let your chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. This will take around 15-20 minutes.

Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to store the chicken. This prevents moisture from reaching the chicken and causing sogginess. If using a container, ensure it is shallow, and there is not too much empty space. You can also wrap each piece of chicken individually in heavy-duty foil or a reusable food wrap before placing it in the container or bag.

Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. It is also recommended to label the container with the date of storage to keep track of its freshness.

Refrigerating vs. Freezing:

You can store your chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you plan to consume the chicken within this timeframe, this is a suitable option.

However, if you have made a large batch and want to store it for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags. Frozen fried chicken can be stored for up to 12 months at 0°F or 6 months if frozen at a lower temperature.

Reheating Your Chicken:

The best way to reheat your chicken and maintain its crispiness is by using an oven or air fryer. Microwaving the chicken is not recommended as it can make it soggy and dry out the juices.

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 375-400°F. Allow the chicken to reach room temperature before placing it in the oven. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated and the skin is crispy.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Let the chicken come to room temperature, and then place it in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 4-8 minutes, flipping the chicken once to ensure even cooking.

Food Safety:

It is important to note that chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F before consuming or storing it. Additionally, when storing leftovers, ensure the chicken is refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

When reheating chicken, it is crucial to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can ensure your air-fried chicken remains crispy, tasty, and safe to enjoy!

Frequently asked questions