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Home | Dinner/Main Dish | Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

By: Erin Indahl-Fink
Modified: October 8, 2025 - Published: January 30, 2023 - No Comments

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Need an easy air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe? These delicious, flavorful boneless chicken thighs in air fryer are glazed with a brown sugar balsamic sauce that adds amazing flavor and juiciness. Done in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner idea!

This recipe first appeared at My Dinner Recipes where I am a contributor.

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs in air fryer and on a plate with chopped parsley.

Do you love using your air fryer to cook up a quick and delicious weeknight dinner? This simple, delicious chicken thighs recipe is one that you’ll want to add to your easy dinner list.

These chicken thighs are glazed with a simple brown sugar balsamic glaze that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Versatile enough to be served with pasta, potatoes, veggies or any of your other favorite sides.

What do I need to make chicken thighs in air fryer?

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – it is helpful to trim off any excess fat, as it tends to burn when cooked in an air fryer.
  • Balsamic vinegar – great for making a simple brown sugar balsamic glaze that adds great flavor.
  • Olive oil – an essential ingredient for the glaze, and also helpful in preventing the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket while cooking.
  • Brown sugar – you can use either dark or light brown sugar. If you’re looking to reduce calories and refined sugar, Swerve brown sugar alternative is a great substitute.
  • Minced garlic – great complimentary flavor in the glaze.
  • Garlic salt – ideal for seasoning the chicken thighs.
  • Ground pepper – also ideal for seasoning the chicken.

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!

Brown sugar balsamic glaze in a small bowl with small whisk on the side.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs coated with the brown sugar balsamic glaze.

How do I make air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs?

Start by mixing together the brown sugar balsamic glaze. In a small bowl add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, garlic salt and pepper. Whisk together to help the brown sugar dissolve into the rest of the ingredients.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat from the thighs. Place the chicken thighs into a shallow baking dish or pan.

Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the glaze, placing it into a small separate container. This reserved glaze will be brushed on to the chicken while cooking. Then, pour the rest of the remaining glaze over the trimmed chicken thighs.

Marinated boneless chicken thighs in air fryer.
Cooked boneless chicken thighs in air fryer topped with chopped parsley.

Let the chicken set in the balsamic sauce for about 10 minutes. While the chicken marinates, preheat your air fryer.

Place the marinated chicken thighs into the preheated air fryer basket in one even layer. Four to five chicken thighs will fit into a medium to large size air fryer basket. If you have more chicken thighs, it is best to cook in separate batches to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.

Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer. Halfway through cooking, turn the chicken thighs over, then brush with the remaining balsamic glaze. Cook for the remaining time. Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Love cooking with chicken thighs? Check out my Sheet Pan Maple Glaze Chicken Thighs, Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken and my Baked Chicken Quarters recipes.

Two air fryer boneless chicken thighs on a plate served with mashed potatoes and broccoli.
Air fryer boneless chicken thighs, sliced and on a plate with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

What can I serve with air fryer boneless chicken thighs?

This air fryer chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile, and goes with numerous salads and side dishes. Here are some of our favorite side dish recipes that go with chicken:

  • Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
  • Boursin Orzo Bake with Tomatoes and Spinach
  • Italian Tortellini Salad
  • Cranberry Citrus Salad
  • Sauteed Carrots
  • Roasted Rainbow Carrots
  • Parmesan Ranch Steak Fries
  • Sauteed Broccoli with Garlic
  • What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes
  • Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kale
Air fryer boneless chicken thighs on plate topped with chopped parsley.

FAQ’s about cooking chicken thighs in air fryer:

How long do I cook chicken thighs in an air fryer?

For boneless skinless chicken thighs, they will need 18-22 minutes at 390 degrees.

What temperature should I cook boneless chicken thighs in air fryer?

An ideal temperature to cook boneless skinless chicken thighs is 390 degrees.

Can you put raw chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, it is save to place raw chicken in the air fryer. Cook chicken as directed according to the recipe. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use an instant read digital thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at 165 degrees or greater.

Should I preheat my air fryer?

It is recommended that you preheat your air fryer before cooking. On average an air fryer will need 3-5 minutes to preheat prior to placing the food in the air fryer basket. It is helpful to preheat to allow for even cooking and accurate cook times.

How long will chicken thighs last?

When stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator, cooked chicken thighs will last for up to five days.

If you loved this chicken recipe, check out some of our other ideas for cooking chicken:

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Love using your air fryer to make simple, delicious meals? Check out our other easy air fryer recipes:

  • Air Fryer Brats
  • Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
  • Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe
  • Maple Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
  • Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
  • Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
  • Shrimp Tacos in Air Fryer
  • Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
  • Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

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Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Erin Indahl-Fink
Looking for an easy, flavorful way to make boneless chicken thighs in air fryer? This delicious air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe is made with a simple brown sugar balsamic glaze that everyone in your family will love!
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Air fryer boneless chicken thighs on plate topped with chopped parsley.
Print Recipe Remove Ads Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner/Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 452 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer We LOVE this Ninja Max XL Air Fryer! We use it almost daily.
  • Mixing Bowls These stainless steel mixing bowls are great for mixing marinades.
  • Mini Whisk Ideal for small batch recipes like dressing and marinades!

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless (about 4-5 medium thighs)
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon minced garlic about 2-3 cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, pepper and garlic salt. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the glaze in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish or pan. Remove any excess fat and pat dry with paper towels. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, turning over to ensure all sides are coated with the glaze.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees. (Check your owners manual to see exact preheat times for your model of air fryer. Preheat times are typically 3-5 minutes.)
  • To the preheated air fryer basket, place the glazed chicken, skin side down. Discard the glaze that was in the baking dish. Evenly space the chicken thighs, making sure to place in one layer. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes at 390 degrees.
  • After 10 minutes, turn the chicken thighs over, and brush with the reserved balsamic glaze that was previously set aside. Cook the chicken for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Once done cooking, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. Leftovers will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 452kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 41gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 208mgSodium: 507mgSugar: 11g
Keyword air fryer boneless chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs in air fryer, air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs, air fryer chicken thighs boneless skinless
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