Air Fryer Recipe: Delicious and Healthy Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that your kids will love? Look no further! These air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a hit with the whole family. With just a few ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you can whip up a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy.

Kid-friendly and Mess-free

Kids love boneless chicken because it’s easy to eat and not as greasy as bone-in chicken. Even though I sometimes prefer the crispy skin and bone, my kids turn up their noses at the mess and trouble of getting the tender meat off the bone. By removing the skin, we eliminate the mess and ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. These air fryer chicken thighs are not only kid-friendly but also healthy and nutritious, making them the perfect meal for any night of the week.

Healthier Alternative to Fried Chicken

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative to traditional fried chicken. They are lower in calories and fat, making them a healthier choice. Plus, you don’t need to add a breading to the chicken before air frying, which means they are gluten-free as well. The best part? My kids love the spice and don’t even miss the breading!

Keto-Friendly Option

If you’re following a keto diet, you’ll be happy to know that air fryer chicken thighs are a great fit. They are low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making them a perfect keto-friendly food. This boneless chicken thigh recipe is a regular on our family meal plan.

How to Cook Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Equipment Needed

To make these delicious chicken thighs, all you need is an air fryer and a few basic kitchen utensils. I personally recommend the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, but any air fryer will work just fine. You won’t need any extra accessories, just the air fryer basket.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (4-6 thighs, depending on size)
• Dry rub:
  • 1 tsp salt (sea salt or Real salt)
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika is my preference!)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or garlic granules)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (or onion granules)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes, with the air fryer basket inside. Spray the basket with avocado oil cooking spray or any other oil.
2. While the air fryer is preheating, trim any unwanted fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the chicken thighs in a large zipper bag or a sealable container.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Whisk well to create the rub.
4. Sprinkle the rub all over the chicken thighs, seal the bag or container, and shake it around until all the chicken is coated evenly.
5. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Spray the tops of the chicken thighs with avocado oil or olive oil.
6. Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 390 degrees F for 17-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer. You can flip them halfway through if desired, but it’s not necessary.
7. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 1-2 minutes. Use silicone-coated tongs to remove the chicken from the air fryer and place them on a plate.
8. Serve the crispy and juicy air fried chicken thighs with a side salad or your choice of vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

These delicious air fryer chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, simply put them back in the air fryer at 390 degrees F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes. Be mindful not to overcook and dry them out.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

If you want to switch things up, here are a few ideas to try with your air fryer chicken thighs:

• Add your favorite keto-friendly sauces like BBQ sauce, hot sauce, buffalo sauce, or teriyaki sauce after cooking.
• Top the chicken thighs with a garlic butter or sprinkle them with shredded cheese during the last minute of cooking.
• Serve them over cauliflower rice or alongside air-fried vegetables.
• Experiment with different chicken marinades to add unique flavors.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken thighs for a tangy twist.

When it comes to side dishes, the possibilities are endless! You can serve these boneless chicken thighs with sautéed green beans, cauliflower rice, fried zucchini with mushrooms and onions, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, cauliflower mashed potatoes, kale crunch salad, or even air-fried radishes.

Wrap Up

I hope you enjoy this quick and easy boneless chicken thigh recipe for your air fryer! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Air frying is a fantastic way to cook chicken because it’s fast, easy, and always results in perfectly cooked and juicy meat. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family can enjoy. Don’t forget to check out our other air fryer recipes and some of my favorite chicken recipes too!