• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Restless Chipotle

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Start Here
    • Ingredients Substitutions
    • Tips for Measuring Ingredients Accurately
  • About
  • Shop
  • Your Recipe Box
  • Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • My Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Start Here!
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • My Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Start Here!
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×

Home » Recipes » Budget Meals

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Published: Aug 10, 2022 Last Updated: Jan 25, 2023 by Marye 1087 words. | About 6 minutes to read this article.

Boneless chicken thighs cook to juicy perfection in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes! The sticky bbq sauce coating comes out perfectly - just like on the grill!
Total time 17 minutes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
Air fried bbq chicken thighs on an air fryer with a text overlay for Pinterest.

This quick and easy recipe gives you the great taste of summer grilling all year long! Best of all, chicken cooks in way less time than when you use other methods.

Overhead view of finished bbq chicken thighs on a white plate.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love it
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📖 Variations
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

❤️ Why you'll love it

  • Boneless chicken thighs are less expensive that chicken breast and so delicious when done in the air fryer!
  • Cooks in less than 15 minutes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
  • Air fryer bbq chicken thighs have just 3 ingredients.

I don't normally like chicken thighs, to be honest, but this is one of my favorite ways to make them.

I mean, they are SO budget friendly it's hard to turn them down!

It takes just three simple ingredients! They always come out juicy and tender with a sticky bbq sauce coating that is truly "finger lickin' good"!

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Step by step images showing how to make bbq chicken thighs in the air fryer.
  1. Pat the chicken dry and season it.
  2. Pour your favorite bbq sauce in a small bowl and coat chicken in it, turning to coat all sides.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.
  4. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes or until done.

🥫 Storage

Cover the leftover chicken with plastic wrap or put in an airtight container and refrigerate.

If you spray the plastic wrap with non-stick cooking spray it won't stick to the bbq sauce.

You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Finished chicken being removed from the air fryer.

📖 Variations

You can reheat air fryer boneless chicken thighs in it, too. They'll always be delicious!

  • Just sprinkle with salt and black pepper instead of using a seasoned salt or a sauce.
  • Use your favorite bbq sauce or a thick teriyaki sauce.
  • You can use bone-in chicken thighs but your cook time will be longer.
  • Try boneless chicken breasts instead.
  • Sometimes I use a dry rub instead of my homemade bbq sauce.
  • I like to sprinkle the air fryer bbq chicken thighs with slices of green onion or sesame seeds just before serving.
  • If you make chicken thighs with the skin on in the air fryer you'll get a nice, golden brown, crispy skin. Just make sure to place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side up.
  • For a little extra heat add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle to the seasoning.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: Air fryers are not all the same and may cook at different rates. Be sure to use a insta-read thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken before removing from the air fryer. The internal temperature of the chicken should always be 165F.

  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Make sure there 's enough room between the chicken pieces for the air to flow freely.
  • You can use different cuts of chicken but be careful that they always hit 165F on a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer before eating. Cooking time will vary.
  • Push the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate temperature.
  • Always be careful to wash your hands often when working with raw chicken.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

How long does it take to cook boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer?

About 12 to 15 minutes at 380 degrees F.

How do I preheat my air fryer?

Set the temperature and let it heat for about 3 minutes.

Does chicken thigh turn white when cooked?

No, chicken thighs are dark meat and will be a pinkish brown. Just make sure they register 165F.

Finished chicken thighs on a plate.

📚 Related recipes

  • These easy grilled chicken breasts are covered with a bourbon peach compote.
  • Try these grilled bbq chicken breasts wrapped in bacon...the bacon keeps the meat moist and juicy!
  • Copycat Popeye's blackened chicken is spicy and delish!
  • Creamy Ranch Chicken
  • No Peek Chicken Recipe
  • Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
  • Creamy Crockpot Ranch Chicken

🍽️ Serve with...

  • Creamy Southern Coleslaw
  • Potato Salad or Pasta Salad
  • Easy Drop Biscuits
  • Lemon Ice Box Pie

📞 The last word

I love a quick and easy dinner and it just doesn't get quicker or easier than these air fryer boneless chicken thighs slathered in sticky sweet barbecue sauce!

Add some campfire sauce to dip in or spoon over. YUM!

Try them with this easy Frito corn salad.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 star rating! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Closeup of the finished chicken thighs showing the sticky bbq coating.
5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Print Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
Prevent your screen from going dark
Boneless chicken thighs cook to juicy perfection in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes! The sticky bbq sauce coating comes out perfectly - just like on the grill!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American - Southern
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings:4
Calories:297
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
  • seasoned salt, or salt and pepper
  • ½ cup bbq sauce, your favorite - you may need a little more.

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer 380°F.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the bbq sauce stick.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper or seasoning salt.
  • Add the chicken and the bbq sauce to a bowl and coat the chicken with the sauce.
  • Place in the air fryer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
  • You may need to do this in 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Notes

Storage:
Cover with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips:
  • Always pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towel before adding the sauce.
  • Place pieces in a single layer and don't overcrowd.
  • If cooking bone in chicken your time will increase.
  • Air fryers are not all the same and may cook at different rates. Be sure to use a insta-read thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken before removing from the air fryer. The internal temperature of the chicken should always be 165F.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Make sure there 's enough room between the chicken pieces for the air to flow freely.
  • You can use different cuts of chicken but be careful that they always hit 165F on a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer before eating. Cooking time will vary.
  • Push the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate temperature.
  • Always be careful to wash your hands often when working with raw chicken.
 
 
 

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 646mg | Potassium: 248mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!

    We'll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie swear.

    More Budget Friendly Recipes

    • Spicy Crockpot Lentil Soup
    • Cheap Mexican Dinner Ideas
    • Cowboy Casserole Recipe
    • Hamburger Noodle Casserole
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




    Primary Sidebar

    Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

    Hey Y'all, I'm Marye.

    NY Times bestselling author. Written over 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Army veteran. Nothing fazes me & together we're going to get the kind of meals on your table that you (and your family) have been dreaming of. 

    More about me →

    ❤️Valentine's Day

    • Red Velvet Puppy Chow for Valentine's Day
    • 50 Red Velvet Recipes for Every Occasion
    • Red Velvet Bundt Cake
    • 10 Best Chocolate Gifts

    👑 Reader Favorites

    • Crispy Fried Potatoes
    • English Muffin Bread Recipe
    • No Fail Amish White Bread
    • Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

    Love Bread?

    Be sure to visit my new blog, Breadcrumbs in the Butter. Just bread recipes!

    Logo for breadcrumbs in the butter blog.

    Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas

    (Just click on the button at the bottom of each page to see the recipe)

    Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Marye Audet-White
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

    Featured in:

    Companies that Marye Audet-White and Restless Chipotle have been affiliated with.

    Contact Marye

    • Contact
    Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

    Copyright ©2006 - 2023 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC