Make Perfect Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer in Only 15 Minutes

Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

I use the air fryer to make loads of things, but nothing goes into that chamber of hot swirling air more often than boneless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs have enough fat that they won't dry out -- even if you overcook them -- and there are about a million ways to serve them once they're done. 

These speedy air fryer chicken thighs make for a smart lunch when sliced and thrown into a salad. Many evenings, I'll toss the meat with curry or make a quick cacciatore. And making skinless thighs couldn't be easier.  

They just might be the perfect air fryer food -- though if you want to spend a bit more time on the best possible chicken, you'll probably have to turn to an open grill.

Why chicken thighs are perfect air fryer food

Chicken thigh meat has a higher fat content than breast so there's very little chance of your chicken thighs drying out when cooked with convection heat in an air fryer -- even if you accidentally leave them in too long. That makes them the perfect candidate for cooking in a blazing hot air fryer.

If the only recipe I was allowed to make in my air fryer was chicken thighs, I'd still buy one and give it the space on my counter. That's how much I like boneless skinless air fryer, chicken thighs, and how often they show up in my weekly meal routine.

And as with many of my favorite air fryer recipes, there's almost no mess to cleanup after. Air fryers typically have nonstick baskets that come clean with a few wipes of soapy hot water. 

• Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Step 2: Toss package of chicken thighs with seasoning mixture or simply with salt and pepper
• Step 3: Cook chicken thighs for 15 minutes, flipping them after 8 (cook longer if you like a crispier outside)
• Step 4: Let cool and serve over salad or with side of rice and vegetables.

Do you need oil when cooking chicken thighs in the air fryer?

I've tried cooking air fryer chicken thighs with and without oil and they turn out great either way. There's enough fat content in thighs to cook without oil. And if you're using a sauce, there's really no need to add oil on top of it. 

If you are planning to add cooking oil, don't use much. About a teaspoon per every four thighs should suffice.

Should you bread chicken thighs before cooking in the air fryer?

Yes, I have and it's excellent for adding texture to this simple recipe. A quick coating of egg wash and breading gives air fryer chicken thighs a divine crunch, but also adds some extra carbs and calories. It also makes for more dishes to wash after and a dirtier air fryer basket, so I often go without. Use this method if you're making air fryer chicken Parmesan or for a fast fried chicken sandwich.

If you're cooking boneless chicken breast in the air fryer, I recommend breading them to keep the lean meat from drying out.

Whether you're adding some cooking oil to the chicken thighs or breading your cuts before air frying them, you'll need to clean out your appliance afterwards to make sure it keeps functioning efficiently the next time you want to cook up a quick meal. Here's our complete guide to cleaning your air fryer, so that you can keep your cookware at the top of its game.

For more, here's a complete guide to air fryers and seven things I'll never cook in the air fryer again.