Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (Boneless)

Air fryer chicken thighs (boneless)

Temperature

380°F

195°C

Time

14 min

4 thighs

Safe internal

165°F

74°C

Thighs are my forgiving option for when I'm running around after the kids and can't stand over the air fryer. They've got enough fat in them to stay juicy even if I'm a few minutes late, and they soak up a marinade beautifully.

How to air fry chicken thighs (boneless)

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  2. Add the fresh chicken thighs (boneless) to the basket. Space them out for airflow.
  3. Cook for about 14 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
  4. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Pro tip

Place skin-side down first to get them crispy, then flip.

How to tell when it's done

They're safe at 165°F (74°C), but I leave mine a touch longer, to about 175°F (80°C) - that's when they go really tender and pull apart. I look for nice browned, slightly crisp edges.

Safe internal temperature

Cook to 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.

Converting from an oven recipe

If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 380°F for 14 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.

Air fryer chicken thighs (boneless): FAQ

How long does it take to air fry chicken thighs (boneless)?

Air fry chicken thighs (boneless) at 380°F (195°C) for about 14 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 4 thighs in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.

What temperature do you air fry chicken thighs (boneless) at?

Set the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for chicken thighs (boneless)?

A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.

What's the safe internal temperature for chicken thighs (boneless)?

Cook chicken thighs (boneless) to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.

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