Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Name: Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe (Ready in Minutes)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, (about one pound); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs have officially turned me into a believer in the air fryer craze.

Confession time: I haven’t always been a fan of air fryers. My small kitchen doesn't have a lot of counter space, and the idea of squeezing in yet another gadget didn't exactly thrill me.

Plus, I like to see what's happening while my food cooks, so the air fryer felt like a bit of a mystery box. But after testing it with a few other recipes, such as my Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes and Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings, I finally gave in, and let me tell you, this recipe has officially converted me.

Boneless chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer on a plate with a bite of one on a fork.

Now, I've always been Team Chicken Thighs. They're tender, juicy, and forgiving, perfect for someone like me who occasionally gets distracted in the kitchen. (Chicken breasts, I'm looking at you and your dry, bland ways.)

And when you pair these marinated chicken thighs with the speed and crisping power of the air fryer, it's like weeknight dinner perfection. This air fryer chicken thighs recipe has quickly become a favorite, and I think it's about to become one of yours too!

A Quick Look at the Recipe

Ready in: 10 minutes cook time, 30 minutes marinate time | Ingredients: 9 | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy → "No-Fuss Favorite" | Make-Ahead Friendly: These thighs are best served immediately after cooking.

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A Quick Look at the Recipe
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will, Too!)
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Recipe variations
How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Serving and menu suggestions
How to store and reheat leftovers
Recipe FAQs
Top tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly
More skinless boneless chicken thigh recipes you’ll love
Recipe:

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will, Too!)

This marinated chicken thigh in an air fryer recipe takes minimal time, from marinating to plating, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
The combination of soy sauce and honey creates a sweet and savory marinade that keeps the chicken moist and bursting with flavor.
Like my recipes for Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters and Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs, even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the tender, flavorful air-fried boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

A package of chicken thighs, soy sauce, vegetable oil honey, and seasonings in a bowl.

Below are my ingredient notes (including substitutions) for the main ingredients. The recipe card below provides a complete list of all ingredients and measurements.

Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for quicker cooking, but bone-in can be used but will take longer to cook.
Soy Sauce: Provides a savory depth. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup can be used as an alternative.
Spices: Garlic, ginger, and onion powder provide great flavor. You can experiment with your favorite herbs and spices.

Recipe variations

If you want to jazz up this recipe, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy version, or drizzle hot honey over them.
Or, incorporate the zest and juice of one lemon into the marinade for a bright, tangy flavor.
You can also mix chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the marinade to add a fresh herby flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

This is a summary of the steps; the complete directions are in the recipe card below.

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

Four chicken thighs on a plate seasoned with salt and pepper.

To make the Marinade: Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, and onion powder in a small bowl until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; if time allows, marinate for up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.

Chicken thighs marinating in a clear glass bowl in a soy sauce and honey marinade.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chicken thighs in an air fryer basket, the first image shows them raw, and the second shows them cooked.

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes to retain its juices. Serve alongside your favorite sides and enjoy!

A white plate with four pieces of cooked chicken thighs garnished with chopped parsley.

Serving and menu suggestions

These air fryer boneless chicken thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorites:

If we have company, I might add a bowl of American Coleslaw, Simple Spinach Salad, and maybe even an easy dessert such as my Honey Cheesecake.

How to store and reheat leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Place the cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
To reheat in an air fryer, preheat to 350°F and heat the chicken for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. To microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Let it rest for 30 seconds before serving.

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the chicken in the air fryer is done?

It is important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness. The most reliable method for checking doneness is to use a meat thermometer.

Can I skip the marinating step for the chicken thighs?

While marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, it’s optional if you’re short on time. However, even a brief 30-minute marination can significantly improve the taste.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer?

Thawing the thighs before marinating and cooking ensures even cooking and the absorption of the marinade.

Can I make this air fryer chicken thigh recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for meal prepping. After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It reheats well, maintaining its juicy texture.

Top tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly

Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
For easy cleanup: Place a slice of bread under the air fryer basket to catch drips and prevent smoke, or use perforated parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overlapping to allow proper air circulation.
Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature without drying out.
Rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in tender and moist meat.

More skinless boneless chicken thigh recipes you’ll love

Do you love air fryers as much as I do now? Tell me your favorite thing to cook in the comments!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ Did you make this recipe for chicken thighs in an air fryer? I'd be thrilled to hear what you thought! Did you add your own twist or have a tip to share? And if pork is on the menu, my Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops are just as easy and full of flavor.

Drop a comment below, I read every one, and don't forget to leave a star rating. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others find and perfect this recipe.

Thanks for stopping by Grits and Pinecones! Your visit means the world to me. I hope you'll swing back soon for more Southern-inspired goodness. 💛