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Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.1 from 35 reviews

Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs feature tender boneless skinless chicken thighs coated in a flavorful panko and parmesan breadcrumb mixture, air fried to golden perfection for a crunchy, juicy meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 large eggs
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1.5 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Cooking

  • Cooking spray or air fryer liner (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken thighs: Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures better adhesion of the breading and crispier results.
  2. Set up a dredging station: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt until well combined. In a separate shallow medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and use your hands or a fork to mix it thoroughly, pressing together to coat the crumbs evenly and help form a cohesive breading.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken thigh piece into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then thoroughly coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breading onto the surface to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken thighs onto a clean plate or a lined baking pan. Repeat until all pieces are breaded.
  4. Air fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or line it with an air fryer liner to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken thighs in a single layer inside the basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 10 minutes. Optionally, spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, flavorful chicken.

Notes

  • Make sure chicken thighs are patted completely dry to help the breading stick better.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Adding cooking spray after the initial air fry step is key for extra crispy coating.
  • The breadcrumb mixture can be customized: try adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs like basil for extra flavor.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/crispy-air-fryer-breaded-chicken-thighs-recipe/