Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
These air fryer boneless chicken thighs come out juicy, caramelized, and perfectly seasoned—no marinating, no fancy steps. Just toss in oil, rub with a simple spice blend, and air fry to crispy-edged perfection. A weeknight staple that actually tastes like a win!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 273kcal
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
- 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or olive oil for cooking
- ½ tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika smoked or regular
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl and toss with oil.1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons oil
- Season: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and all the spices. Rub all over chicken thighs.½ tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (or 400°F for crispier edges). Arrange chicken in a single layer in the basket with space in between. If needed, cook in batches.
- Cook: Air fry for 12–15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and edges are golden and caramelized. Tip: At 400°F, check for doneness closer to the 12-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing or serving. Spoon any juices from the basket over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Try to remove the chicken from the fridge just a little before cooking - 10-15 minutes is good enough for me on a weeknight! This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
- Use oil first: Tossing the chicken in oil helps the seasoning stick better and cook more evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fry in a single layer so the edges get crispy instead of steaming.
- Brown sugar = golden edges: Just a little adds the perfect caramelized finish.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit for 3–5 minutes after air frying to lock in the juices.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g