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The Ultimate Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

When it comes to quick and delicious weeknight meals, boneless chicken thighs reign supreme. They’re juicy, packed with flavour, and cook up beautifully in the air fryer, yielding crispy skin and tender meat with minimal effort. If you’re ready to elevate your dinner game, look no further than this ultimate air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly easy to prepare, this dish is sure to become a favourite in your household.

Why Choose Chicken Thighs?

Boneless chicken thighs are often overlooked in favour of their white meat counterparts, but they offer a richness that can’t be beaten. The dark meat remains moist even after cooking, making it less prone to drying out. Plus, chicken thighs are typically more affordable than chicken breasts, making them an economical choice for family meals.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you dive into the cooking process, let’s talk preparation. Start with approximately 1 kilogram of boneless chicken thighs. You can use skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference. For maximum flavour, we recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though you can leave it for up to a few hours for an even more robust taste.

Basic Marinade Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Combine these ingredients in a bowl and add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate.

Cooking the Thighs in the Air Fryer

Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to get cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F). This high temperature will help achieve that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Cooking Time:

• Air fry the chicken thighs for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

For an extra crispy finish, you can crank the temperature up to 220°C (around 425°F) for the last two minutes, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer boneless chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. Here are some fantastic ways to serve them:

1. With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. Simply toss them in olive oil and your favourite herbs before roasting alongside the chicken in the air fryer.

2. In a Salad: Slice the cooked chicken and serve it atop a vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy dressing.

3. As Part of a Wrap: Shred the chicken and add it to wraps with lettuce, avocado, and a dollop of your favourite sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

4. With Rice or Couscous: Serve the thighs over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous, and add a drizzle of the pan juices for extra flavour.

Conclusion

The air fryer has revolutionised cooking, and these ultimate boneless chicken thighs are a testament to its capabilities. With a balance of flavours and the promise of a succulent result, this recipe is one that even the busiest home cooks can appreciate. So, whether you’re feeding the family or preparing a meal for yourself, dive into this deliciously simple dish and savour the goodness that is air-fried chicken thighs. Enjoy!

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