Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are juicy on the inside, perfectly crisp on the outside, and packed with smoky, sweet-spicy flavor. With just a handful of pantry spices, you can make this delicious, high-protein meal in under 25 minutes — no deep frying required!
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone watching their carbs, this recipe gives you restaurant-quality results straight from your air fryer.
🍗 Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute like Swerve Brown for diabetic-friendly version)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked recommended for rich flavor)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. - Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne. - Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
Rub the spice mix evenly over all sides of the chicken. (You can toss half the thighs in a bowl with half the spice mix, then repeat with the rest for even coverage.) - Air Fry the Thighs
Arrange the thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket — don’t overcrowd.
Air fry for 10 minutes, then use tongs to flip them. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is crisp. - Serve & Enjoy
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep them crispy.
