Kid Friendly Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Recipes: Air Fryer Edition

As a mom, I celebrate anytime I find boneless chicken thigh recipes that my kids will eat. These air fryer boneless chicken thighs are quick and easy to make. Yes, air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs! With just a few ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love.

This post may include Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Kid-friendly chicken dinner

Kids love boneless chicken because it’s easy to eat and not as greasy as bone-in chicken. Boneless skinless thighs are especially versatile, tastier than white chicken breast meat, and can stand up to various sauces and spices.

In fact, even if I sometimes prefer the crispy skin and bone, my kids will turn up their noses at the mess and trouble of getting the tender meat off the bone.

With the skin removed, there is little to no mess, and the chicken is cooked through so it’s safe to eat. I know my kids always beg for these air fryer chicken thighs, and I’m happy to give them a meal that they love. Kid friendly chicken thighs are also healthy and nutritious, making them the perfect meal for any night of the week.

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative to traditional fried chicken. They’re lower in calories and fat, and they’re a good source of protein.

Plus, it’s quick and easy to make thighs in the air fryer, so you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time. I love that you don’t have to put a breading on the chicken to air fry them, and the result is fabulous gluten free chicken thighs.

My kids love the spice and don’t even miss the breading!

Boneless skinless chicken thighs, air fryer

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative to traditional fried chicken. They’re lower in calories and fat, and they’re a good source of protein.

Plus, it’s quick and easy to make thighs in the air fryer, so you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time. I love that you don’t have to put a breading on the chicken to air fry them, and the result is fabulous gluten free chicken thighs.

My kids love the spice and don’t even miss the breading!

Are air fryer chicken thighs, boneless, skinless keto?

Yes! Air fryer chicken thighs are a great option for those on a keto diet or a keto diet. They’re low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making them a perfect keto-friendly food.

This boneless chicken thighs recipe is a regular on our family meal plan.

👨‍🍳 What’s the best way to cook air fryer chicken thighs?

I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, but you can use bone in chicken thighs or just boneless thighs if you prefer to keep a crispy skin. If you use bone in chicken, you’ll need to air fry it for a few minutes longer than boneless chicken.

Alternatively, you can bake boneless chicken thighs in the oven for a different texture and flavor.

Chicken thighs in the air fryer macros

For a second, let’s look at the macros. In this recipe for air fryer boneless chicken thighs, one serving is one chicken thigh. It has 132 calories, 22 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 0 grams of net carbs per serving.

📏 How I figure macros in one chicken thigh

These macros for air fryer boneless chicken thighs are figured with MyFitnessPal, with the ingredients I use in the recipe. I always recommend figuring out your own with the exact items/brands you use.

It’s especially important to determine your own if you’re keeping close track of nutrition calories saturated fat, etc., and want to be accurate.

🍽 Equipment needed to make air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs

Cooking chicken thighs can be tricky, but if you air fry them it doesn’t have to be! All you need to make air fryer boneless chicken thighs is an air fryer and a few basic kitchen utensils.

If you prefer baking, you will need a baking dish to cook the chicken thighs in the oven.

Air fryers

I like to use my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer, but any air fryer will do. You don’t need any extra air fryer accessories to cook chicken thighs other than the air fryer basket.

• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• air fryer
• silicone tongs

🥘 Ingredients in air fryer boneless chicken thighs

This recipe for air fryer boneless chicken thighs is a great option if you’re on a low carb diet. The high protein makes them the perfect keto-friendly food. Making air fryer boneless chicken thighs is quick and easy.

Quality organic ingredients

The most important thing I always say is to be sure to choose good quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better for you, and the better it will taste! Always choose organic, antibiotic and hormone-free boneless chicken thighs.

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs – select good quality organic meat, if possible (4-6 boneless chicken thighs depending on size)

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs dry rub

• 1 tsp salt – sea salt, Real salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (I prefer smoked paprika!)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or garlic granules)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (or onion granules)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional: adjust for spice preference!)

🔪 Instructions: How to cook air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs

Making air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs is quick and easy! This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

First of all, spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil cooking spray or other oil. Preheat the air fryer with the air fryer basket in it, to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes.

After that, while the air fryer is preheating, get the chicken ready by trimming any fat you don’t want and pat it dry it with a paper towel. Place chicken thighs in a large zipper bag or another sealable container.

For oven baked chicken thighs, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Chicken recipe dry rub

Then, in a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Whisk it all together well to create the rub for the chicken.

After that, sprinkle it all over the chicken, seal the bag (or container), and shake it around until all of the chicken is coated with the rub.

Next, place the chicken in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the tops of the chicken thighs with avocado oil or olive oil.

⏲ Air fryer chicken thighs: cooking time

Now, cook boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer basket at 390 degrees F for 17-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.

I prefer to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer than just call it good because no one wants raw chicken!

You can flip them over halfway through to evenly cook boneless chicken thighs, but I don’t generally bother. Be careful of the hot air if you do open it in the middle to flip.

When ready, let the chicken rest 1-2 minutes. Then, all that’s left in this easy recipe is to remove them from the air fryer with silicone coated tongs. After that, place the air fried chicken thighs on a plate to serve with a side salad or other vegetables.

Baked chicken thighs can also be a great option, offering a different texture and flavor profile.

🥣 How to store air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs

These deliciously easy air fryer chicken thighs keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, to be on the safe side. Also, they keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months in a freezer bag or other freezer container.

If you’re ready to reheat chicken thighs, put them back in the air fryer at 390 degrees F. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or they’re heated through. You can also reheat them in a 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes. Reheating chicken thighs can sometimes dry them out so be sure to watch the time! Or use a really good low carb BBQ sauce to add moisture!

🍱 Variations on air fryer boneless chicken thighs

There are so many ways to mix this dinner up a bit! Air fryer chicken thighs are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to try:

• Add BBQ sauce, hot sauce, buffalo sauce, teriyaki or other delicious sauce after cooking chicken thighs in air fryer (I suggest keto friendly and sugar free!)
• Top with a garlic butter
• Sprinkle with shredded cheese during the last minute of cooking
• Serve over cauliflower rice
• Add vegetables to the air fryer basket and cook them at the same time
• Cook raw chicken after using a chicken marinade (air fry)
• Top with fresh lemon juice
• Try making slow cooker chicken thighs for a tender and flavorful meal with minimal effort.

🥗 What to serve with boneless chicken thighs: side dishes

As I mentioned, air fryer boneless chicken thighs are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with side dishes of vegetables. Here are a few ideas to go with these crispy chicken thighs:

• Sauteed green beans
• Cauliflower rice
• Fried zucchini, mushrooms, and onions
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Roasted broccoli
• Cauliflower mashed potatoes or keto cauliflower mac and cheese bake
• Kale crunch salad – I love a good kale salad with a keto lemon poppy seed dressing!
• Air fryer radishes (air frying is fun!)

Boneless chicken thighs in air fryer

I hope you enjoy this quick meal recipe for air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs! There are so many chicken thigh recipes to explore, especially when it comes to air frying. Options include bone-in chicken thighs, chicken breasts, and legs, but cooking boneless chicken thighs is probably my favorite!

Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

Air frying is one of my favorite ways to cook chicken because it’s a quick and easy recipe, and it always comes out perfectly cooked and juicy. With just a few ingredients and minutes in the air fryer, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family can enjoy or an easy meal prep for the week!

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy this boneless chicken thigh recipe!

I love to meal prep by air frying tender meat like this chicken recipe. What other air fryer chicken recipes do you like, or what else do you like to air fry?

Brats in Air Fryer: Quick and Easy

How to Cook Frozen Burgers in an Air Fryer

Air Fryer Radishes

Keto Turkey Burgers

Keto Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

👩‍🍳 Or some of my favorite chicken recipes!

I love chicken thighs and many chicken recipes! Most of these require you to cook either chicken thighs or chicken breasts so you can use what you have on hand.

Easy Keto Butter Chicken in the Instant Pot

Keto Mexican Chicken Bowls

Low Carb Keto Teriyaki Chicken

Keto Chicken Enchiladas

While chicken breast is a popular choice, chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness.

📌 Pin the boneless chicken thighs recipe here:

Printable recipe card

If you LOVE this boneless chicken thighs recipe, please consider giving it a five-star rating in the review area below!

Compared to chicken breast meat, chicken thighs provide a richer flavor and more tender texture.

I use MyFitnessPal.com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers, and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count because does not affect my own blood glucose levels.

This is as accurate as possible, but it’s best to independently calculate nutritional data on your own with the specific ingredients you use. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained on this website.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please be aware I am not a medical specialist or nutritional professional. On this blog, I share recipes and what works for me. Please do not take anything on this blog as medical advice and always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

I use MyFitnessPal dot com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers, and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count because does not affect my own blood glucose levels.  

This is as accurate as possible, but it’s best to independently calculate nutritional data on your own with the specific ingredients you use. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained on this website.