Try these Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs for a recipe that’s so delicious—and ready in a snap. Simply marinate thighs in a honey Dijon soy sauce, then pop them in the air fryer for a crispy yet juicy result. Whether it’s game day or just a busy weeknight, this is the best way to prepare a flavorful main dish.

Sliced chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer.

The Best Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

It wasn’t until maybe the fifth or sixth time making these air fryer boneless chicken thighs that I realized, “Hmm. Maybe I should post this recipe on the site?!”

It all started with a random concoction of marinade ingredients. Then slowly, I pared it down to the essential elements:

Some lime juice for a bit of acidity. Soy sauce for umami. Honey for sweetness. Mustard for depth. And the secret ingredients… coriander and curry powder!

Once the marinade is made, it’s all a matter of popping the chicken thighs into the air fryer and letting it do the work for you.

What results is the most tender and juicy thighs with a crispy exterior, much like you’d get from cooking them on the grill. And it’s so much FASTER than baking in the oven!

This method is such an easy, quick way to get the perfect weeknight dinner on the table.

Serve them up with your favorite sides (like these Melting Potatoes and Fried Cabbage) or slice them thin and add them to a chopped kale salad with this apple cider vinaigrette (my most recent obsession!).

(You might also like this Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe, too!)

Chicken thighs and the ingredients for the sauce.

Ingredients

To make this air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe you need:

  • Chicken thighs. This cut is so rich and flavorful. Be sure to get the boneless skinless kind and trim the fat.
  • Oil. Either avocado or olive works.
  • Sweetener. Depending on your preference, you can choose honey, pure maple syrup, or brown sugar. You don’t need a lot, but you’ll want some!
  • Soy sauce. If necessary, opt for a gluten-free tamari.
  • Lime juice. Freshly squeezed juice adds a crisp and fresh taste. Lemon juice will work in a pinch.
  • Dijon mustard. You can sub yellow mustard if needed, but you’ll lose some of the deep flavor.
  • Garlic. Fresh minced garlic is so important! But you can use garlic powder, too.
  • Curry powder and coriander. The secret ingredients! You will love what they add to this dish.

How to Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

The basic steps for making this air fryer chicken thighs recipe are simple to follow:

Make the Sauce and Marinate the Chicken

In a medium or large bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, mustard, garlic, curry powder, coriander, salt, and black pepper. You will add the boneless thighs to this bowl, so make sure it’s big enough.

Then, carefully place the chicken thighs in the bowl. Spoon the sauce over the meat until it’s completely covered.

Alternately, you can make the sauce in a small bowl. Then, transfer it to a Ziploc bag and combine it with the thighs.

Set the bowl in the fridge and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can leave it overnight if needed.

Cook in the Air Fryer

Just like the oven, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Set it to 380℉ and let it warm up for at least 3 minutes.

Put the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important that they aren’t touching so each one cooks evenly. Save any extra marinade.

Cook for 14 to 15 minutes in the preheated air fryer, depending on the size of your chicken thighs. About halfway through cooking, use tongs to carefully flip each one. If there was extra sauce, brush it on the tops.

If you want to know if they’re done, insert an instant read thermometer in the thickest part. They’re ready when the internal temperature is 165℉.

Serve the Chicken

Serve these chicken thighs with a delicious sauce for an added treat!

Some of my favorites are:

A chicken thigh cooked in the air fryer is sliced.

Meal Prep and Storage

  • How to prep ahead of time: You can marinate the chicken for up to one day before cooking.
  • How to store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • How to freeze: Be sure the chicken is completely cooled, then tightly wrap and place in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 4-5 months.
  • How to reheat: You can warm the chicken back up in the microwave, or you can use the air fryer. Set it to 300℉ and cook for 5 minutes.

Are chicken thighs healthy?

While chicken thighs are higher in fat than breasts, they can still be incredibly good for you. Using an air fryer makes them especially healthy, as there is little oil or extra ingredients.

Are chicken thighs harder to cook than breasts?

Because thighs have more fat than breasts, it can be difficult to know when they’re done. However, they are not harder to cook. Both need to reach 165℉ on an internal thermometer before they’re done cooking.

Can you cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Yes! It is so quick and easy to cook up thighs in your air fryer. Not only does it save time, but they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The air fryer gets these chicken thighs crispy yet juicy.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free and dairy-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

  • Sugar-free: Stick with maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.
  • Soy-free: Opt for tamari or coconut aminos rather than soy sauce.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use a juicer. A handheld citrus juicer is the easiest way to get the most out of your citrus.
  • Get it all. While the ingredient list might seem a little long, don’t leave anything out if you can help it!
  • Seal it up. Place the chicken in a sealed, double-layered zip-top bag as it marinates to prevent it from leaking.
  • Give a flip. Don’t forget to turn the thighs over halfway through cooking.
  • Take the temp. If you can’t tell when the chicken is cooked through, sticking a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh can help.
Perfectly seasoned and healthy chicken thighs.

What to Serve with Boneless Chicken Thighs

You can pick just about anything to serve as the perfect side dish to these thighs.

Brussels Sprouts au Gratin and Green Beans Almondine are both delicious and impressive.

For a classic side dish, opt for Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes or Crockpot Glazed Carrots.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower.

More Air Fryer Recipes

The air fryer is a fantastic way to save you SO MUCH time! Try one of these recipes next.

Air Fryer Meatloaf, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, Air Fryer Steak, Air Fryer Chicken Quarters, and Air Fryer Shrimp are quick and healthy main dish recipes.

If you’re looking for a side dish, try these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, Air Fryer Broccoli with Parmesan, or Air Fryer Pickles.

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Try these Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs for a recipe that's so delicious—and ready in a snap. Simply marinate thighs in a honey Dijon soy sauce, then pop them in the air fryer for a crispy yet juicy result.
Yield 6 servings
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 25 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ lbs. chicken thighs boneless and skinless, fat trimmed
  • 3 Tbsp. oil avocado or olive
  • 2 Tbsp. honey pure maple syrup, or brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari
  • 1 Tbsp. lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • ½ tsp. curry powder
  • ½ tsp. coriander
  • 1 tsp. salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Add the oil, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, mustard, garlic, curry powder, coriander, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Whisk until well combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and toss until they’re completely coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  • Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 380 degrees for at least 3 minutes.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 14-15 minutes. Flip the thighs over using tongs halfway through cooking and brush any remaining marinade on top.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite sauce.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 4 votes

Video

Notes

Meal Prep and Storage

    • How to prep ahead of time: You can marinate the chicken for up to one day before cooking.
    • How to store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Be sure the chicken thighs are completely cooled, then tightly wrap and place in the freezer for up to 4 to 5 months
    • How to reheat: You can warm the chicken back up in the microwave, or you can use the air fryer. Set it to 300℉ and cook for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.05g, Cholesterol: 108mg, Sodium: 576mg, Potassium: 320mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 59IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!
5 Secrets to Healthier Family Dinners
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  1. These chicken thighs look terrific and easy to cook! Totally making this later on this week! Thank you.