Cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in an air fryer is a simple and efficient way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you start cooking, make sure to prepare your chicken thighs properly.
Trim Excess Fat: Use a knife to trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs if necessary[4].
Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure even cooking[4].
Seasoning: Mix your desired seasonings in a bowl. Common seasonings include paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, oregano, and cumin. You can either mix these with olive oil to form a paste or use them as a dry rub[1][3][4].
Coat the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the seasoning mixture. You can brush them with olive oil or another oil of your choice before applying the seasonings[1][3][4].
Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Here are the general steps for cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in an air fryer:
Preheating the Air Fryer
While some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary, preheating the air fryer can help the exterior crisp up quickly and ensure even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, which typically ranges from 350°F to 390°F[1][4][5].
Placing the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space between them for air to circulate. This is crucial for even cooking[1][3][4].
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time and temperature can vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your air fryer model. Here are some general guidelines:
At 350°F: Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F[3].
At 360°F: Cook for 15 minutes, checking the temperature towards the 12-minute mark. If necessary, continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F[2].
At 375°F: Cook for 14 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 4-6 minutes until the chicken is crispy and cooked through[5].
At 380°F: Cook for 12 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F[4].
At 390°F: Cook for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway through[1].
Checking for Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). For darker meat, it can be cooked up to 175°F for added tenderness[1][2][4].
Serving Suggestions
Once your chicken thighs are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Here are some popular side dish ideas:
Cabbage Salad or Roasted potatoes[2]
Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, air fryer corn on the cob, creamed spinach, or a side salad[3]
Your favorite sides such as rice, vegetables, or a simple green salad[5]
Important Facts to Remember
Temperature: The recommended cooking temperatures range from 350°F to 390°F.
Cooking Time: Cooking times vary from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the temperature and size of the chicken thighs.
Preheating: Preheating the air fryer is recommended for better results.
Even Cooking: Ensure there is enough space between the chicken thighs for air to circulate.
Internal Temperature: The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to consume.
Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful boneless skinless chicken thighs in your air fryer.
