These Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are bursting with flavor and only take 30 minutes to make. This is an easy and healthy weeknight dinner you have to try!
Recipe Overview
Time: 30 Minutes
Ingredients: BBQ sauce, chicken thighs, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Ease: Very Easy
If you want more air fryer chicken recipes, check out my Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Brest and Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Cutlet recipes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: chicken thighs won't dry out as easily as chicken breast; they are also less expensive
- Spices: I used a traditional BBQ Spice Rub from All Recipes that has paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon was perfect for me, but adjust the saltness to your taste; just remember the barbecue sauce will have some sodium in it.
- Cayenne Pepper: if you're the kind of person who likes a little kick in their BBQ Chicken, add a little bit of cayenne to make the chicken spicy.
- BBQ Sauce: use your favorite BBQ sauce; I used store-brand honey BBQ sauce
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below!
Variation
If you don't like barbecue sauce, swap it out for Buffalo sauce, orange chicken sauce, or even honey mustard! Keep the spice blend for a spicy, savory blend.
Make Ahead
- Prep: Season the chicken as directed in the recipe and place it in an airtight container or covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Cook: Cook the chicken as directed in the recipe.
- Store: Store any cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes, or microwave until warm.
Common Questions
These boneless chicken thighs took 16 minutes to cook in my Ninja Foodie. Each air fryer cooks differently over time. You will learn if your air fryer cooks a little faster or slower than other people. Until then, use a meat thermometer to ensure you don't over or under-cook the chicken.
I always check the temperature of my chicken a few minutes before it's supposed to be "done." If it's already at 165F, I'll stop cooking the chicken, but if it's lower, I'll adjust my cook time accordingly. As long as your chicken doesn't reach an internal temperature too much above 165F, it shouldn't be dry. You never want to eat chicken that has not reached a minimum temperature of 165F
Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat the chicken thighs, cook them in the air fryer at 375F for 4-5, or microwave until warm.
Sides
- Creamy Coleslaw - A cool, crunchy contrast to the smoky BBQ chicken.
- Green Beans - Quick, simple, and easy to make while the chicken cooks.
- Mac and Cheese - A classic comfort-food pairing that always works with BBQ.
- Corn on the Cob - Sweet corn balances the savory BBQ flavors perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes - Great for soaking up extra BBQ sauce.
- Simple Side Salad - Keeps the meal light and fresh with minimal prep.
Tips
All air fryers cook differently. You may have to adjust the cooking time. Check the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it's at least 165F.
You can season the chicken thighs in the morning and let them marinate in the fridge until dinner time.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken thighs boneless skinless
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ cayenne pepper optional- makes it spicy
- Non stick cooking spray
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
See it. Make it. Eat it!
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F.
- Cut off any excess fat from the chicken thighs.
- Mix together the spices and rub them on both sides of the chicken.
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket and cook for 7 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 7 minutes.
- Brush half of the BBQ sauce on one side of the the chicken, flip, and brush the remaining sauce onto the other side. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is 165F.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Beth says
We love them!
Adrian says
Okay by themselves, but really come through when combined with a salad or made into a sandwich.