Greek-inspired air fryer boneless chicken thighs with vibrant flavor and juiciness that's hard not to love. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic herbs, the chicken meat turns out succulent and delicious and makes for a healthy protein for dinner, lunch, or meal prep.
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Why you will love this recipe
- It's quick and easy. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook faster, making this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights.
- The marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs ensures each bite is packed with Greek-inspired flavors and juiciness.
- Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect alongside rice, couscous, or potatoes, these chicken thighs are versatile and will also shine when sliced into salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
- Meal prep friendly! Prepare in advance for quick meals throughout the week, or use leftovers to enrich stews, soups, or casseroles.
- Finally, chicken thighs are an affordable protein option, making this dish as wallet-friendly as it is delicious.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 5-6 oz each. You can use thighs with the skin on; make sure to cook them skin side down first. If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time to 20-22 minutes.
For Greek-inspired flavor: I used lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Feel free to swap out the oregano for dried thyme or rosemary. I love adding paprika and cumin as well.
Video Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
1. Season the chicken: Cut chicken thighs in half. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano, or other herbs of choice. Use your hands to rub through the chicken and set aside for 15 minutes. Move to the fridge if marinating for longer.
2. Air fry: Spread the chicken thighs in the air fryer preheated to 400°F and cook for 15 minutes, turning the meat halfway through. It's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
3. Slice and serve: Serve the chicken thighs whole or sliced, optionally drizzled with extra lemon juice.
Also read: What Are The Pros And Cons Of An Air Fryer?
Expert Tips
- Marinating time: For more flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for 10-15 minutes before cooking, ideally for a few hours or overnight.
- Size matters: Chicken thighs come in different sizes. For our recipe, the chicken thighs were about 5-6 oz each. If using smaller thighs, reduce the cooking time to 13 minutes.
- Let them rest: Once cooked, let the chicken thighs rest for a minute or two, allowing the juices to flow back to the middle.
FAQs
Yes, reheating the chicken in the air fryer is quick and easy. To keep the chicken from getting too dry, add ¼ water to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Add the cold chicken to the basket and cook for 4-5 minutes at 350 F.
Yes, absolutely. Place the chicken thighs skin side down first. Cooking time should be approximately the same.
Absolutely. Cut the chicken breast into 3 slices of similar thickness and marinate with the seasoning, lemon juice, and olive oil. Cook in the air fryer at the same temperature for 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
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Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 4 chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut in halves
- ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs in half. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano, or other herbs of choice. Use your hands to rub through the chicken and set aside for 15 minutes. You can marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 C / 400 F. Once hot, spray the basket with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs in one layer and air fry for 15 minutes, turning half way. You may have to cook the chicken in 2 batches. It's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 1-2 minutes before serving as whole pieces or sliced. I like to drizzle this Greek chicken with extra lemon juice.
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