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Quick & Easy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and packed with smoky, savory flavor. A simple blend of pantry spices creates beautifully caramelized edges while the air fryer keeps the chicken moist inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, they're perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, salads, wraps, or rice bowls.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer boneless chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy air fryer chicken, easy chicken dinner, high protein chicken recipe, juicy chicken thighs, quick chicken dinner, seasoned chicken thighs, weeknight chicken dinner
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3–5 minutes.
  • Trim the chicken thighs if necessary, removing large pieces of excess fat, but don’t over-trim them. The fat helps keep them juicy.
  • Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels.
  • Add the chicken to a bowl and toss with the olive oil.
  • Mix all of the seasonings together, then coat the chicken thoroughly.
  • Place the thighs in the air fryer in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken and cook another 7–9 minutes, depending on thickness.
  • Check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe at 165°F, but thighs are often even better around 175–185°F because the higher temperature helps break down connective tissue and makes them more tender.
  • Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.