13 Juicy Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes Air Fryer to Make
Boneless chicken thighs cook fast in an air fryer. They stay juicy and tender every time. This blog shares 13 simple recipes you can try. Each dish uses easy ingredients and clear steps.
You get crispy results without extra oil. Air fryers save time and make cleanup quick. These recipes fit busy nights or lazy weekends. From spicy flavors to sweet glazes, there’s something for everyone.
Readers enjoy tasty meals while search engines find this post easily. Keep reading for ideas that work. All recipes use boneless chicken thighs and an air fryer. Let’s start cooking!
1. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
About: Garlic butter chicken thighs bring bold flavor to your plate. This recipe mixes garlic and butter for a rich taste. The air fryer crisps the outside while locking in juices. It takes 20 minutes to prepare. You can serve it with rice or veggies. Kids and adults both like this one. It’s simple but feels special.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over chicken thighs evenly.
- Place chicken thighs in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 18 minutes. Flip thighs halfway through.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite side.
2. Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
About: Honey soy chicken thighs blend sweet and salty flavors. The air fryer gives them a sticky glaze. This recipe needs just six ingredients. It cooks in under 25 minutes. Pair it with noodles or steamed broccoli. The dish feels fresh and light. Everyone at the table will ask for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Combine soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with the mixture.
- Let thighs sit in marinade for 10 minutes.
- Place chicken in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes.
- Ensure temperature hits 165°F inside.
- Serve warm with extra sauce drizzled on top.
3. Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs
About: Spicy Cajun chicken thighs pack a punch. The air fryer crisps the seasoning perfectly. This recipe uses a simple spice mix. It takes 22 minutes to cook. Serve it with coleslaw or fries. The heat wakes up your taste buds. You can adjust the spice level easily.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Rub mixture onto chicken thighs.
- Arrange thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 22 minutes. Flip halfway.
- Check temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 3 minutes.
- Serve hot with a cool side.
4. Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
About: Lemon herb chicken thighs taste fresh and bright. The air fryer keeps them juicy inside. This recipe uses lemon juice and herbs. It cooks in 20 minutes. Pair it with salad or roasted potatoes. The flavor feels light but satisfying. You’ll love the zesty kick.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with the mixture.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes.
- Confirm temperature is 165°F.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes.
- Serve with a fresh side dish.
5. BBQ Glazed Chicken Thighs
About: BBQ glazed chicken thighs offer smoky sweetness. The air fryer crisps the glaze fast. This recipe needs only five ingredients. It takes 25 minutes total. Serve it with corn or beans. The taste brings summer vibes any day. You’ll enjoy every sticky bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Mix BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush mixture over chicken thighs.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 25 minutes. Flip halfway.
- Check temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with extra sauce.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
About: Teriyaki chicken thighs deliver sweet and savory goodness. The air fryer makes them crispy outside. This recipe uses a quick homemade sauce. It cooks in 20 minutes. Pair it with rice or stir-fry veggies. The flavor feels like takeout at home. You’ll want this weekly.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with sauce.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes.
- Ensure temperature hits 165°F.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice.
7. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs
About: Parmesan crusted chicken thighs turn crispy and cheesy. The air fryer locks in flavor. This recipe uses basic pantry items. It takes 22 minutes to make. Serve it with pasta or a green salad. The crust adds fun texture. Everyone loves this one.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Press mixture onto chicken thighs.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 22 minutes. Flip halfway.
- Check temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 3 minutes.
- Serve warm with a side.
8. Chili Lime Chicken Thighs
About: Chili lime chicken thighs bring zesty heat. The air fryer crisps them perfectly. This recipe uses lime juice and chili powder. It cooks in 20 minutes. Pair it with rice or tortillas. The flavor pops with every bite. You’ll enjoy the tangy spice.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Mix lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and cumin in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over chicken thighs.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes.
- Confirm temperature is 165°F.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with a side.
9. Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
About: Maple Dijon chicken thighs mix sweet and tangy flavors. The air fryer gives them a golden finish. This recipe uses mustard and maple syrup. It takes 22 minutes to cook. Serve it with mashed potatoes or carrots. The taste feels cozy and warm. You’ll love this combo.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Mix mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with mixture.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 22 minutes. Flip halfway.
- Check temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with a side.
10. Italian Seasoned Chicken Thighs
About: Italian seasoned chicken thighs taste like pizza night. The air fryer keeps them juicy. This recipe uses dried herbs and oil. It cooks in 20 minutes. Pair it with spaghetti or garlic bread. The flavor feels familiar and fun. You’ll make this often.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix olive oil, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Rub mixture onto chicken thighs.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes.
- Ensure temperature hits 165°F.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with pasta.
11. Buffalo Chicken Thighs
About: Buffalo chicken thighs bring spicy wing vibes. The air fryer crisps them up fast. This recipe uses hot sauce and butter. It takes 22 minutes to make. Serve it with celery or ranch dip. The heat satisfies spice lovers. You’ll crave this often.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Mix hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with mixture.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 22 minutes. Flip halfway.
- Check temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 3 minutes.
- Serve warm with dip.
12. Rosemary Garlic Chicken Thighs
About: Rosemary garlic chicken thighs smell amazing. The air fryer cooks them tender. This recipe uses fresh rosemary and garlic. It takes 20 minutes total. Pair it with roasted veggies or bread. The flavor feels rustic and hearty. You’ll enjoy every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over chicken thighs.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes. Flip after 10 minutes.
- Confirm temperature is 165°F.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with a side.
13. Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
About: Sweet chili chicken thighs balance heat and sweetness. The air fryer makes them crispy. This recipe uses sweet chili sauce. It cooks in 22 minutes. Serve it with rice or slaw. The flavor hooks you fast. You’ll add this to your favorites.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken thighs with mixture.
- Place thighs in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 22 minutes. Flip halfway.
- Check temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with a side.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
