Air-Fryer Skinless Chicken Thighs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. They are juicy and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, but if you want the skin to be crispy, it's best to go for the bone-in option. The chicken is seasoned with a simple blend of spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. After seasoning the chicken, it is placed in the air fryer for around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken and the model of the air fryer.

How to make skinless chicken thighs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 5-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Spices: garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper
• Nonstick spray: olive oil spray or avocado oil spray

Method:

• Dry the chicken: Place the chicken on a plate and use a paper towel to pat it dry.
• Add the spices: Combine the garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then pour the spices over the chicken and use your hands to coat it evenly.
• Air fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer, then place the chicken inside, spraying them with nonstick spray. Fry for 12 minutes on the first side, then 8-10 minutes on the second side. You can cook it for an additional 2 minutes if you want it crispier, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
• Serve: Air fryer chicken thighs go well with sides like Spanish rice, fried Brussels sprouts, feta harissa roasted carrots, or skillet roasted potatoes.

Tips:

• If you don't have nonstick spray, you can brush the chicken with a little bit of olive oil instead.
• You can also use bone-in chicken thighs with skin. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may take a little longer to cook.
• Always ensure your chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.

Choosing the right chicken thighs

Boneless vs Bone-in Chicken Thighs:

The first decision you need to make is whether to use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs. Both options are available in most supermarkets, and each has its advantages. Boneless chicken thighs are convenient and easy to work with. They cook faster and are ideal if you want to slice or cut the chicken into smaller pieces. On the other hand, bone-in chicken thighs tend to be more flavourful and juicy. The bone helps keep the meat moist during cooking, and many people prefer the added flavour that the bone imparts. Bone-in chicken thighs are usually more affordable than boneless ones.

Skin-on vs Skinless Chicken Thighs:

The next decision is whether to use skin-on or skinless chicken thighs. Skin-on chicken thighs will give you crispier skin, and the fat from the skin will help keep the meat moist. If you are watching your fat intake, you can remove the skin after cooking. Skinless chicken thighs are a healthier option and require less preparation. They are also a good choice if you plan to cut the chicken into smaller pieces or use it in a salad.

Fresh vs Frozen Chicken Thighs:

It is best to use fresh chicken thighs for this recipe. Fresh chicken thighs will give you the best flavour and texture. If you are short on time, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Do not cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer, as they will not cook evenly.

Number of Chicken Thighs:

The number of chicken thighs you need will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of people you are serving. A typical serving size is two chicken thighs per person. Most air fryers can accommodate four to six chicken thighs, depending on their size. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if you are making a large quantity.

Quality and Source of Chicken:

Whenever possible, choose high-quality, fresh chicken thighs from a reputable source. Look for chicken that is firm to the touch, with a smooth surface and no discolouration. Avoid chicken that has an odour or is packaged in leaky or damaged packaging. If you have the option, choose air-chilled chicken over water-chilled chicken, as it tends to have better flavour and texture.

Preparing the Chicken Thighs:

Before cooking, trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, as this will help the spices adhere better and promote even cooking. You can also remove the skin from the chicken thighs if you prefer, or separate the skin from the meat using a sharp knife or your fingers. This step is optional and can be done before or after cooking.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking skinless chicken thighs in an air fryer will depend on whether the thighs are boneless or bone-in.

Boneless chicken thighs

If you are cooking boneless chicken thighs, you should preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary between 11 and 15 minutes for boneless chicken thighs. However, one source recommends cooking for 6 to 8 minutes and then checking the temperature with a meat thermometer. Boneless chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Bone-in chicken thighs

For bone-in chicken thighs, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. The cooking time will vary between 12 and 22 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Bone-in chicken thighs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Spices and seasonings

Choosing Your Spices

The beauty of cooking with an air fryer is that you can get creative and experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect combination. You can opt for a simple blend of common spices or create a more complex and unique flavour profile. Here are some popular spice and seasoning options:

• Garlic Powder: This adds a savoury punch to your chicken.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives your chicken a subtle smoky flavour.
• Oregano: A herb that adds a subtle, earthy flavour.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavour of any dish.
• Onion Powder: Adds a savoury, onion flavour without the need for fresh onions.
• Black Pepper: Gives a sharp kick to your chicken.
• Brown Sugar: This sweet spice gives your chicken a caramelised finish.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine, such as basil, oregano, and rosemary.
• Curry Powder: Gives your chicken a warm, spicy flavour.

Preparing Your Spices

When preparing your spices and seasonings, it is best to combine them in a small bowl before applying them to your chicken. This ensures that your spices are evenly distributed and that your chicken is coated thoroughly. You can use your hands to gently rub the spices onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well and enhance the flavour.

Customising Your Spices

You can also customise your spice blend to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your blend. Alternatively, if you want a more herbal flavour, you can add dried basil, thyme, or rosemary. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!

Storing Your Spices

It is also important to store your spices properly to maintain their freshness and flavour. Spices should be kept in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Whole spices will last longer than ground spices, so if you have the option, buy whole spices and grind them yourself as needed.

Serving suggestions

These juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken thighs can be served as a main course, in salads, wraps, or sandwiches. Here are some side dish suggestions to accompany the chicken thighs:

• Roasted vegetables: Try roasted cauliflower, parmesan zucchini, broccoli, roasted carrots, or honey Brussels sprouts.
• Mashed potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash.
• Cauliflower rice: A low-carb option.
• Salad: Serve the chicken on a bed of crunchy kale salad, orzo pesto salad, or leafy green strawberry goat cheese salad.
• Quinoa, rice pilaf, or herb-infused couscous
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Pasta or noodles: Try creamy lemon caper pasta or roasted butternut squash pasta.
• Soup: Add the chicken to classic tomato soup, cauliflower leek potato soup, or butternut squash soup.

For a well-rounded meal, pair the chicken with a splash of fresh lemon juice and sides like sweet potatoes and your favourite roasted vegetables.

Frequently asked questions