Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
Happy frying!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Air Fryer
Here are all you need to make this delicious air fried boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
Recipe Video
Here’s a video of a similar recipe that we’re going for.
How to Cook Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer?
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients and marinate the chicken.
Gather your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and the cilantro lime marinade ingredients.
Use a fork to pierce the chicken to maximize flavor.
Then, combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Next, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for the best results.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 3: Air fry the boneless skinless chicken thighs for 12 – 15 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC).
Transfer the boneless chicken thighs into the air fryer and arrange them in a single layer. Air fry at 400ºF (204ºC) for 12 – 15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
Luckily, even if chicken thighs reach past 165ºF (74ºC), it won’t be rubbery, unlike air fryer boneless chicken breast. In short, you can rest easy with this recipe.
Remember that cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer model, the number of servings you’re preparing, and the thickness of the chicken thighs. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, let the cilantro lime chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Plate them with your favorite sides, like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
That’s how you make an air fried boneless skinless chicken thighs, quick and easy!
Armed with this easy and delicious air fryer recipe, you’re ready to impress your family and friends with finger-licking good chicken thighs in no time.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh?
- For a complete meal, serve the chicken thighs with fluffy quinoa and roasted sweet potatoes;
- Create a vibrant taco night by pairing the chicken with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce; or
- Elevate your dinner with garlic-roasted asparagus and a tangy mango chutney.
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked, cilantro lime chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, making sure they’re well-sealed. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Then follow the recipe card instructions.
✦ If they’re still frozen, you may have to increase the cooking time by 2 – 3 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) for safe consumption.
Fridge: As for the refrigerator, cooked chicken thighs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the preheated air fryer at 350ºF (177ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes or until heated.
Variations
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs. Swap the cilantro lime marinade with your favorite BBQ sauce for a finger-licking good twist. The air fryer will caramelize the sauce, giving your chicken thighs that irresistible smoky flavor.
- Want a crunchy texture? Try our delightful breaded chicken thighs instead.
Try these variations, and you’ll have a medley of mouthwatering chicken thigh dishes to suit any craving!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in the air fryer takes about 12 – 15 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). Flip halfway through for even cooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) for safe consumption.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pierce the chicken thighs all over with a fork. This'll allow the marinade to penetrate the meat and infuse it with maximum flavor.
- Make the marinade. Combine the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but marinate it for 24 hours for the best flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 minutes.
- After marinating, take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and place the chicken thighs in the air fryer. Arrange them in a single layer, do not overcrowd. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Air fry the chicken thighs at 400ºF (204ºC) for 12 – 15 minutes. Then, flip the chicken thighs halfway.
- Once the chicken thighs are cooked, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve your delicious air fried boneless skinless chicken thighs with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your easy and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Remember that cooking times can vary based on the chicken’s thickness and your air fryer’s size and model. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) before eating.
- You can marinate the chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator if you want to prepare them beforehand.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and then let it cook for 4 – 5 minutes without food.
- You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the boneless skinless chicken thighs in air fryer.
- I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the cilantro lime chicken thighs. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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