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Crispy Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe

Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

A quick and easy recipe for incredibly juicy and flavorful boneless, skinless chicken thighs, perfectly cooked in the air fryer with a delicious smoky and sweet spice rub.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 650 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4-6 thighs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs out of the packaging and pat them thoroughly dry with kitchen paper. This step is crucial for getting a lovely colour and texture. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Oil the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and toss them with your hands or tongs until they are all lightly and evenly coated.
  3. Mix the Spice Rub: In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed.
  4. Season Generously: Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the oiled chicken. I find that using my hands works best here to really rub the seasoning into all the nooks and crannies of the meat.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (180°C fan) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. A hot start is key for a great result.
  6. Arrange in the Basket: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't let them overlap, as this will cause them to steam rather than crisp up. Cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
  7. First Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes. The tops should be starting to look golden and caramelised.
  8. Flip and Finish: Using tongs, carefully flip each chicken thigh over. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes. The chicken is done when it's cooked through and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads at least 74°C.
  9. Rest Before Serving: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.

Notes

Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.