Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs Recipe
These crispy air fryer breaded chicken thighs feature a golden parmesan panko coating, delivering all the flavor and crunch of fried chicken without the oil. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier, foolproof meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
Breading
- 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
Coating
- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry using a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick better and become crispier during cooking.
- Setup a dredging station: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt until well combined. In a separate medium shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and combine thoroughly, pressing the mixture so the oil incorporates evenly.
- Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken thigh into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Place each coated piece onto a clean plate or lined pan.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and prepare the basket with cooking spray or liner. Arrange the breaded chicken thighs in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 10 minutes, then spray the top lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices, then serve hot and enjoy your crispy, delicious air fryer chicken thighs!
Notes
- Choose chicken thighs of similar size and thickness for even cooking and to prevent dry edges.
- Dry the chicken well with paper towels before breading to help the coating adhere and crisp up.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it stays intact during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Monitor cooking as air fryer temperatures vary; reduce temperature to 390°F if chicken browns too fast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes for best texture.
