Easy Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Thighs

Sometimes people don’t believe I create recipes for a living, because the meals I make most often can hardly be called recipes at all.

This ‘recipe’ for air fryer grilled chicken thighs falls firmly into this category. Weeknights are busy in our house, with homework, afterschool activities etc, and the last thing I want to do is babysit meat on a grill.

Luckily, my air fryer cooks skinless boneless chicken thighs for me perfectly in around just 15 minutes. Sometimes I turn it over half way through cooking, but even this isn’t really necessary as the air circulates all around it.

Here’s a quick summary of what I love about this idea:

• 5 minutes’ prep. All I have to do is brush the thighs with a little oil and roll them in whatever herbs and spices I want to use.
• Endlessly customizable. I’ve suggested a simple all-purpose seasoning mix (you can even make this ahead). But it’s so easy to customize the flavors according to what you have in the pantry, or what you enjoy.
• Only around 15 to 17 minutes’ cook time. Why not use the time to prep a couple of simple sides to go with your chicken? You’ll find plenty of ideas below!
• Endlessly adaptable! I’ve served this chicken with sides, in a burger, and sliced up in a Greek style gyro wrap. I’m sure you can think of even more ways to use it!

About the ingredients

• Skinless boneless chicken thighs: The average suggested cooking time is based on using medium sized chicken thighs. If they are larger, that’s OK but you’ll have to add a few extra minutes onto the cook time.
• Olive oil: Half to one tablespoon is all you’ll need. You can use a different kind of oil if you prefer, of course.
• Basic dried herbs and spices: My favorites to use for a perfect grilled flavor are paprika (regular, sweet or smoked), cumin (for a little smokiness), mixed Italian herbs (or a mix of Mediterranean style herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram), onion and garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Feel free to skip any you don’t have or like and/or substitute with other dried herbs. It’s really hard to go wrong!

How to grill chicken thighs in your air fryer

It’s so easy! This is all you do:

Put the chicken in a large dish or on a plate. Brush all over with olive oil.

Sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the chicken.

I usually use some kitchen tongs to turn the chicken over so that all sides are generously covered.

Then lift the seasoned chicken into the air fryer basket. My small air fryer fits around 4 medium sized thighs at a time, but a larger air fryer will take more.

Air fry the chicken for 15 to 17 minutes at 355F/180C. If you like, you can turn it over half way through cooking, but it’s not essential.

If you preheat the air fryer, 15 minutes will probably do it. If not, you might need 2 or 3 more minutes. I find it easy to see if the chicken is done when I cut into it, but feel free to use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure.

This is what it looks like when done – golden, juicy, and absolutely delicious!

Serving ideas

• Potatoes: homemade fries, air fryer sweet potato wedges, air fryer smashed potatoes, amazing Greek potatoes, or potato salad (Greek style).
• Rice: Try this quick and easy lemony Mediterranean rice.
• Salad: You can’t go wrong with an authentic Greek salad, or how about this beetroot feta walnut salad?
• Bread: Try 2-minute olive oil toasts, Greek bread (great for a dinner party!), or just your favorite fresh bakery bread.
• Vegetables: How about Mediterranean vegetables (air fryer or oven), sauteed green beans (cook straight from frozen), or smashed broccoli, for something a little different.
• Slice the chicken to make Greek gyro style pitas, burgers, sandwiches, or pizza!

Alternatively, you can check out all easy side dish recipe ideas here.