Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, incredibly crispy chicken thigh that's juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside - without the guilt of deep-frying! These Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering maximum flavor and texture with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen, all while using one of the most convenient kitchen appliances around.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures maximum crispiness and helps the breading adhere better.
- Set up a three-station breading system: In the first shallow dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until well combined. In the third dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
- Season the chicken thighs with additional salt and pepper on both sides before beginning the breading process.
- Dredge each chicken thigh first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Spray the top of the chicken thighs lightly with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adhesion.
- Create a three-station breading setup to make coating easier and more even.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispy texture.
- Use cooking spray between breading and cooking to help achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasonings in your flour mixture like paprika, herbs, or cayenne pepper.
- If your chicken thighs are different sizes, adjust cooking time accordingly and check doneness individually.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 160mg
