Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are the perfect mix of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This easy recipe delivers big flavour with minimal effort!
Oh, hey, hi there! If you’re new here, or new to cooking in general, I’d like to share a PRO TIP with you. Right here. Right now. FREE OF CHARGE. If you’re ever stuck on what to cook—and especially if you have the luxury of freezer space—chicken thighs are the answer. Buy them. Keep them on hand. And turn to them when you need a foolproof, flavourful, and juicy protein that works with just about any seasoning or cooking method.
They’re my secret weapon when I need a quick, delicious meal without much effort. Whether I’m whipping up a weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or meal prepping for the week, chicken thighs always come through—packed with flavour, easy to cook, and impossible to mess up! And these BBQ air fryer boneless chicken thighs are so good, they’re a secret weapon in and of themselves!
What I love most about these BBQ smoky chicken thighs is that they use my incredibly easy homemade BBQ dry rub. It’s made with simple pantry spices, so you don’t have to worry about running to the store for anything fancy. The blend of smoky, sweet, and savory spices gives the chicken the perfect flavour kick without being overwhelming. You can even make a big batch of this dry rub and store it for later, so you’ll always have it on hand for your next BBQ craving… (it’s even great on pork chops!)
I also love the fact that these air fryer boneless chicken thighs can be used in so many different ways! Of course, they’re great for munching straight off the sheet pan next to some steamed broccoli or glazed carrots. But you can also slice them up and add them to a fresh salad, toss them in wraps, or stuff them in tacos for a quick meal. You can even chop them up and mix them into pasta dishes, or add them to rice bowls for a delicious, hearty topping.
No matter which way you decide to eat these air fryer boneless chicken thighs first, they’re sure to impress every time!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS
A good marinade or seasoning mix can make all the difference, and this simple yet flavourful combination ensures every bite of your chicken thighs is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky, savory goodness. The key here is using the right balance of oil and dry rub to help the seasoning stick while keeping the meat moist. And if you’re a fan of a saucy finish, a little BBQ sauce at the end takes things to the next level! Here’s what you’ll need in a little bit more detail:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Dark meat stays juicy and tender in the air fryer, making it the perfect cut for this recipe.
- BBQ Dry Rub: This blend of smoky, sweet, and savory spices infuses the chicken with bold flavour and a beautiful crust as it cooks. If you haven’t tried making your own, my homemade BBQ dry rub is easy to whip up and packed with flavour! Not feeling the BBQ vibe? Try these air fryer boneless chicken thighs with my homemade chicken seasoning instead!
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the meat while also ensuring a crispy, golden-brown finish. I used olive oil but avocado oil is great for high heat!
- BBQ Sauce (optional, not pictured): If you love extra smoky-sweet flavour, brushing on some BBQ sauce at the end gives the thighs a caramelized, finger-licking-good finish. Homemade or a good quality store-bought BBQ sauce works in this recipe.
HOW TO MAKE BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS IN THE AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these BBQ air fryer boneless chicken thighs in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Pat the chicken dry with clean paper towel before beginning. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Massage the BBQ dry rub in. Don’t just sprinkle it on—rub the seasoning into the meat for maximum flavour absorption.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the thighs in a single layer with space between them to allow proper airflow and crispiness. EXTRA TIP: If your air fryer doesn’t have 360° air circulation, flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden exterior on all sides.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep the chicken juicy and safe to eat.
- Let it rest before slicing and serving. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite extra tender.
- Brush with BBQ sauce at the end (optional). If you want extra flavour, brush on some BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a caramelized finish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, boneless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in chicken thighs. This is because they have less mass and no bone to slow down the heat transfer. In an air fryer, boneless thighs typically take 12–15 minutes at 380°F (193°C), while bone-in thighs can take 18–22 minutes at the same temperature. The bone acts as an insulator, requiring more time for the heat to penetrate and cook the meat evenly. No matter which type you use, always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. At 380°F (193°C), they typically take 12–15 minutes, depending on their thickness. For best results, arrange them in a single layer, flip them halfway through cooking (if needed), and check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If your thighs are on the thicker side, you may need an extra minute or two. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Boneless chicken thighs can safely stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. To ensure freshness, make sure to refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking or purchasing it. If you don’t plan to use it within that timeframe, you can freeze them for up to 9 months.
LOVE THIS RECIPE? Try my air fryer marinated chicken thighs next!
MORE FAVOURITE AIR FRYER RECIPES
CRISPY GNOCCHI WITH PESTO MAYO
RESTAURANT-STYLE SWEET POTATO WEDGES
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
AIR FRYER BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 3-4 tbsp BBQ Dry Rub
- 1.5 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- 3 tbsp BBQ Sauce optional, for brushing at the end
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle with olive oil, toss to coat, then massage the BBQ dry rub all over. Let sit for 15–20 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes, if needed.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Check that the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- OPTIONAL: Brush BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last 2 minutes, then increase temp to 400°F (200°C) to caramelize.
- Rest for 3–5 minutes, then dig in!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The links in this post are affiliate links. Thanks for supporting HipHipGourmet!
