Description
These are the crispiest air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs you’ll make — no oil, no breading, just a simple spice rub and 20 minutes start to finish. The paprika-garlic rub gives you juicy dark meat with golden, crispy edges every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 – 6 boneless and skinless chicken thighs (excess fat trimmed off)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ – 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 – 2 lemons (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. If your basket isn’t non-stick, lightly mist it with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
- Pat dry and season: Pat the chicken thighs dry on both sides with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of the thighs and use your fingers to press the rub into the meat.
- Arrange in the basket: Place the thighs smooth-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece so they aren’t touching.
- Air fry and flip: Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes. Flip each thigh with tongs and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Notes
Pat the thighs bone-dry before seasoning for the best crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the basket to allow hot air to circulate. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 216 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 423 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 148 mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs, high protein dinner, low carb, keto, meal prep