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Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs with a golden, caramelized exterior and juicy, tender bite. Coated in a simple olive oil and spice rub, then air-fried to 165°F for a quick 20-minute weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
resting 3 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

chicken
  • 5 boneless skinless chicken thighs Use 4–6 thighs; thicker pieces may need up to the longer cook-time range.
seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lemon wedges for serving Serve with the chicken for bright flavor.

Equipment

  • 1 air fryer

Method
 

Prep and season
  1. Pat the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry, then coat them with the olive oil so the seasoning sticks and browns well.
  2. Mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Air fry
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F so it’s hot enough to caramelize the edges immediately.
  2. Air fry the chicken for 8–9 minutes, until the surfaces begin to turn golden and crisp around the edges.
  3. Flip the chicken and air fry for 7–9 more minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are well caramelized.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the chicken for 3 minutes so the juices redistribute for a tender, juicy bite.
  2. Serve with lemon wedges for brightness and squeeze over the hot thighs right before eating.

Notes

For maximum caramelization, pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly before oiling, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat at 360°F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a lower-sodium option, use a reduced-salt seasoning blend in place of the salt while keeping the same cook times.