The secret to making the juiciest boneless chicken thighs in the air fryer is marinating them with yogurt. They come out delicious!
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
These Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs are on my dinner rotation multiple nights of the week, and you can enjoy them so many ways. Greek yogurt not only adds tangy flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Some nights, I serve them with a big salad, and other nights, I eat them with a vegetable and a grain. Keep reading for more ideas—the possibilities are endless! Other air fryer recipes made with chicken you must try are my air fryer chicken breasts, these crispy air fryer chicken thighs, and this whole chicken in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love These Yogurt-Marinated Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
I keep boneless, skinless chicken thighs on hand in my freezer so I can whip up a quick meal anytime. It’s super convenient, never dry like breasts, and my family loves them.
- Quick and Easy: Air frying chicken thighs is faster than other cooking methods.
- Versatile: You can put them in salads, bowls, wraps, or sandwiches or pair them with side dishes.
- Great for Dietary Restrictions: Chicken is low-carb, gluten-free, and Weight Watchers friendly.
If you make this air fryer boneless skinless chicken thigh recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos on Instagram or Facebook!
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yogurt-marinated, air fryer boneless chicken thigh recipe. See exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Greek Yogurt is a gentle, effective way to tenderize chicken, making it an effective marinade. It slowly breaks down the chicken’s proteins, creating a juicy texture.
- Garlic infuses the yogurt marinade with a robust, savory flavor.
- Lemon Juice thins the yogurt so it evenly coats the chicken.
- Seasoning: Paprika, Cajun seasoning, and any dried herbs, like herbs de Provence, provide a spicy, complex flavor.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook quicker than bone-in thighs and are tastier than chicken breasts.
How to Cook Boneless Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Here’s how to make these easy boneless chicken thighs in the airfryer, which cook in under 15 minutes! For the exact recipe, see the recipe card below.
- Greek Yogurt Marinade: Blend the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and half of the Cajun seasoning in a blender until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken Thighs, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours.
- Season the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the dish, ensuring there’s only a thin layer of marinade on each thigh. Season with the remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and herbs.
- How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer: Air fry the boneless chicken thighs at 400°F for 14 minutes, flipping halfway. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer, ensuring they’re at 165°F
- Serve the chicken with the remaining lemon.
Variations
- Chicken: Use the same Greek yogurt marinade on chicken breasts or bone-in thighs, adjusting the time as needed.
- Greek Yogurt: I used nonfat Greek yogurt, but full-fat or 2% yogurt will also work.
- Acid: Substitute lemon with red wine vinegar.
- No Cajun Seasoning? You can use any spice mix you like. If you have the individual spices (cayenne, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder), use those.
- Mild Chicken: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, skip the Cajun seasoning and use the spices above, minus the cayenne.
- Dried Herbs: Any dried herbs will work—you can use one herb or a mix. Try it with dried oregano, parsley, or thyme.
- No air fryer? No problem! Follow these instructions for grilled yogurt chicken thighs or bake them at 425F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Do you rinse off yogurt marinade?
While you don’t want to rinse off the yogurt marinade (That’s where all the flavor is!), you can remove some of it. If you have a thick, goopy layer, it’ll stick to the air fryer and burn.
What’s the Best Air Fryer?
I LOVE my new All Cool Air Fryer! It’s the best air fryer I’ve ever used because it’s powerful, spacious, and pretty for my white kitchen.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
There are several ways to serve these healthy chicken thighs. Just the other night, I ate them with white rice and a cucumber avocado salad with a squeeze of lime. Delish!
- Salad: Top a bed of crunchy romaine or peppery arugula with sliced chicken thighs and add whatever veggies you want. Try it with this Chopped Feta Salad.
- Greek: Add some tzatziki and serve in a bowl with lentils or rice or in a pita wrap and top with cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Latin: Serve them with rice, black beans, and pico de gallo.
- Other Side Dish Ideas: Roasted Broccoli, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, Tomato Salad
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the chicken in the fridge for 4 days. Eat the leftovers cold or microwave them until warm.
- Freeze the thighs for 3 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken Parmesan in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tablespoon McCormick Gourmet Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs, such as herbs de Provence
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat (36 ounces total)
Instructions
- In a blender or jar (if using an immersion blender), combine the yogurt, garlic,juice from half the lemon, and 1/2 tablespoon of the cajun seasoning and blend until smooth. Reserve the other lemon half for serving.
- Put the chicken in a large dish that will fit it in an even layer. Pour the yogurt marinade over the chicken and toss to coat, making sure each piece is completely coated.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 6.
- When you’re ready to air fry, lightly oil the air fryer basket.
- Remove the chicken from the dish and remove all but a thin layer of the marinade. Season with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of the cajun seasoning, paprika and dried herbs.
- Air fry the thighs 400°F in a single layer, in batches as needed for 14 minutes, flipping half way or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and both sides are browned.
- Once cooked, cut the remaining lemon half into wedges, and serve alongside the chicken.
