5 Delicious Skinless Thigh Air Fryer Recipes

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we prepare chicken, especially skinless chicken thighs, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while still providing that desirable crispy texture and juicy flavor. If you're looking to diversify your meal prep with some innovative recipes, here are five delectable options for using your air fryer with skinless chicken thighs.

Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Start with this sweet and savory delight that is sure to tantalize your taste buds:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 skinless chicken thighs
  • ¹⁄₄ cup honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon pepper
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken thighs in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
  4. Place the marinated thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  5. Cook for 15 minutes, turning halfway through.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth and the remaining marinade, bring to a boil, then simmer.
  7. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the saucepan to thicken the sauce.
  8. Brush the sauce over the chicken thighs and cook for another 5 minutes in the air fryer.

🍯 Note: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it's cooked safely.

Lemon Herb Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This light and flavorful dish is perfect for those who love a zesty touch with their chicken:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 lemons (one zested and juiced, one sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Combine lemon zest, juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Marinate chicken thighs for at least 1 hour.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Place chicken in the basket with lemon slices on top.
  5. Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping once, or until the chicken is golden and crispy.
  6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

If you’re craving the essence of a BBQ without stepping outside, this recipe has got you covered:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • ¹⁄₄ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
  2. Mix BBQ sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the mixture.
  4. Place thighs in the air fryer basket, not touching each other.
  5. Cook for 18-20 minutes, brushing occasionally with more sauce to keep them moist.

Fajita Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

This recipe brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine to your air fryer:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Tortillas, salsa, cheese, and sour cream for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
  2. Toss chicken with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
  3. Add vegetables to the chicken.
  4. Place everything in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  6. Serve with warm tortillas and toppings of your choice.

Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Finish with an Asian-inspired dish that’s both sweet and savory:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 skinless chicken thighs
  • ¹⁄₂ cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk together teriyaki sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and honey.
  2. Marinate chicken thighs for at least 2 hours.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  4. Place chicken in the air fryer basket.
  5. Cook for 16-20 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through.
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

🍜 Note: Marinating the chicken helps in infusing it with flavor, but if time is short, a minimum of 30 minutes can still produce delicious results.

These five recipes show how versatile and easy cooking with an air fryer can be. By using skinless chicken thighs, you get a lean, yet flavorful cut of meat that pairs wonderfully with different marinades and seasonings. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, savory, or spicy, there's a recipe here to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the process of experimenting with your air fryer and discover new, healthy, and delicious meal options!

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer?

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Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in an air fryer, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).

How do I keep chicken thighs from sticking in the air fryer?

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Lightly oil the basket or use a small amount of cooking spray on the chicken thighs themselves to prevent sticking.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

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Yes, preheating the air fryer helps achieve a crispier exterior. Most recipes benefit from a preheated basket.

How do I clean my air fryer after cooking chicken?

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After cooking, remove the basket and tray, soak them in warm soapy water, and use a soft brush or sponge to remove any stuck food. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth or sponge.

Can these recipes be made with other parts of chicken?

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Absolutely! You can use these marinades and techniques with chicken breasts, wings, or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time for different cuts to ensure they’re cooked through.