Looking for the way to get that crispiness on chicken in an air fryer? You’ll need a guide on “How Long to Cook boneless Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (All You Need to Know!)”
The amount of time needed to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer depends on how high the temperature is. Ideally, cook chicken thighs for 18 minutes in an air fryer that has been preheated for 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In this article, we’ll cover the answer to that question and more!
How Long to Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer?
All in all, with prep time and cooking time, it usually takes around 30 minutes to finish making Boneless chicken thighs ready to eat if you’re using an air fryer.
However, it takes 18 minutes to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer.
The way to do this is outlined in the guide below:
How to Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs in an Air Fryer:
Let’s take a look at a quick step-by-step guide so that you know not only how long to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer, but also how long the whole process will take for maximum flavor and enjoyment!
- Preheat Air Fryer – An Air Fryer can cook chicken at a temperature of 350 Fahrenheit, but we recommend 400 instead! While the air fryer is gaining the maximum heat you set it for, you can cut down on time by following the next few steps until it is ready for your chicken to be placed inside!
- Gather ingredients – The first thing you’ll need in addition to boneless chicken thighs (we prefer skin on, but it’s up to you!) is olive oil, which will help spices cling to the chicken and maintain moisture. You’ll also want spices such as salt, or garlic powder, or even paprika, according to your tastes.
- Prepare Chicken Thighs – The best way to prepare your chicken thighs after removing them from the package is to first pat them dry so that their moisture does not go to battle with the olive oil. You don’t want your oil to slide right off, or it will defeat the purpose of having it!
- Brush Chicken Thighs With Oil – This can be done using about two tablespoons of oil, or more, depending on how many chicken thighs you have to prepare. Then take a poultry brush and coat each thigh evenly with the olive oil.
- Sprinkle Spices – Now that there is a layer of moisture-protecting oil on each chicken thigh, you’re ready to sprinkle on your spices. Remember, we recommend dry spices like salt and pepper, but even more flavorful notes can be accentuated by the meat and oil if you use garlic or some paprika.
- Place Chicken Thighs in Oven – All you need for this next step is a pair of tongs to safely deposit each chicken thigh in the oven. Remember, raw meat can become a breeding ground for bacteria, so it is always best to interact with the juices as little as possible.
- Allow Chicken Thighs to Cook – As previously mentioned, if your air fryer is at 400 Fahrenheit, you want the thighs to cook for a total of 18 minutes. For maximum crispiness, especially on skinless thighs, you can use your tongs to flip them at the 6-minute mark so each side is browned, but this isn’t necessary in an air fryer.
- Check Temperature – Even though this amount of time is the best for cooking the chicken thighs, remember that safety is always the best rule to avoid food poisoning, especially cooking poultry! Insert a thermometer into the biggest piece of chicken after 18 minutes and make sure the temperature reads 165 F. Then you’ll know it’s ready!
- Serve – We have a few recommendations for how to serve your chicken once it is finished cooking! Try, for example, cooking the chicken with a side of asparagus. You can even use the same olive oil to brush and cook any veggies you use as a side. Mashed Potatoes or even Sweet potatoes make great accompaniments, too!
- Store Leftovers – After you’re done enjoying your meal, if any chicken thighs are left, place them in an airtight container and make sure they go directly into the refrigerator. They will likely last for three to four days, but if you want them to last longer you can put them in an airless freezer bag and freeze them for 3 months!
Read also >> Can I Wrap Chicken in Foil in Air Fryer? (Helpful Tips)
Read also >> How Long To Cook Chicken Breast in Air Fryer? (Easy + Tender)
Does an Air Fryer Cook Chicken Faster Than an Oven?
We’re all busy, and it is no wonder many of us get excited about using an air fryer when we hear rumors that it can cook more quickly than a traditional oven. However, are those rumors really true?
The truth is, yes, air fryers can cook chicken faster than an oven, though not by much. The secret to this is the fan system that blows hot air around in the chamber of the air fryer, which also gives the device it’s name.
For this reason, though many air fryers are smaller than traditional ovens, they can cook chicken faster.
If you’re short on time, an air fryer can save you around 20% more time than a traditional oven when cooking boneless chicken!
Why is Chicken Not Crispy in the Air Fryer?
One of the main reasons chicken does not get crispy even in the fast moving hot air of the air fryer is because it was not dried off moisture before adding oil or butter.
Oil will slide off if any moisture exists on the surface of the chicken, and without it, the chicken will remain soggy rather than crispy.
Also, make sure there is at least half an inch of space between each chicken thigh so air can circulate and cook evenly.
Do I need to Flip Chicken in an Air Fryer?
You do not necessarily need to flip the chicken over onto a new side in an air fryer. This is thanks to the constant movement of the air, according to BBC Science Focus!.
However, it can sometimes give you peace of mind about an even crispiness to your meat!
Can You Overcook Chicken in an Air Fryer?
As with all heating implements, it is possible to overcook chicken in an air fryer. This is done by leaving the chicken in the oven longer than 18 minutes at 400 degrees, or longer than 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Be sure to watch for crispiness and double-check the temperature with a meat thermometer!
Boneless Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer FAQs:
Still hungry for more information about chicken cooking in air fryers? Don’t worry: we will answer everything you might need to know and then some of the answers to these frequently asked questions!
What temp should you cook chicken in the air fryer?
As previously mentioned, the optimal temperature for chicken in an air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs at 350?
Though we believe that 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs in, especially if you’re using an air fryer, it is still possible to cook it at a temperature of 350. If this is the case, you’ll want to leave the thighs in a bit longer since the temperature is not as high.
We recommend cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs at 350 for around 20 minutes. Do not forget to carefully insert a meat thermometer into the center of the largest piece of meat in order to take account of the internal temperature.
You want it to read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit!
Does chicken get dry in the air fryer?
Chicken can become dry, as all meats can when exposed to any heat. This includes chicken that cooks in an air fryer.
The secret to keeping chicken juicy instead of dry is to make sure not to overcook the chicken, optimizing the perfect time to remove the meat from the oven or air fryer.
Don’t worry; because of an air fryer’s fans, achieving even cooking is easier!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs | How to make the best chicken thighs in the Air Fryer! >> Check out the video below:
In Conclusion
To sum it all up, the best temperature to cook boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer is 400F, and the best amount of time to leave the chicken inside is around 18 minutes.
This will prevent the chicken from burning or drying out, but keep it cooked thoroughly for safety!
Thanks to the fans that move hot air around in an air fryer, your chicken should get even heating. Using an air fryer makes for faster cooking than an oven would.
Remember to use a meat thermometer and look for a safe temperature before eating, either way!