Cooking air fryer breaded chicken thighs is a game-changer for anyone who loves juicy meat with a crispy skin. Without the mess or excess fat of traditional deep frying! The beauty of using an air fryer is that you don’t need any oil at all. Yet you still get that irresistible crunch on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. Air fried chicken thighs are a healthier alternative to classic fried chicken. Making them perfect for anyone trying to eat better without sacrificing taste.
Chicken is one of the most versatile meats, and by using affordable cuts like chicken thighs, you can experiment with a variety of recipes without breaking the bank. Don’t let the lower price tag fool you. Chicken thighs are packed with rich flavour and moisture. In fact, I find that chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy while the breading becomes perfectly crispy in the air fryer. If you’re used to cooking with chicken breasts, this is definitely a recipe worth trying to switch things up!
One of the biggest benefits of using an air-fryer is how it reduces the amount of oil in your cooking without compromising on flavour or texture. The air-fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. Which helps to crisp up the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the satisfaction of crispy, fried foods without the guilt. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual weeknight meal, or meal prepping for the week, these air fryer breaded chicken thighs are a quick, easy, and healthier option that everyone will love.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 35 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowls.
Ingredients for air fryer breaded chicken
5 chicken thighs
2 eggs
1 cup of flour, seasoned with salt & pepper (and spices such as paprika if you prefer)
Panko breadcrumbs
Method
I cracked two eggs into a bowl and gave them a good whisk to create a smooth egg wash. This would help the breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the chicken and create that golden, crispy coating we all love.
To begin, I took each chicken thigh and dipped it first into a bowl of seasoned flour – just a simple mix of plain flour with salt, pepper, and a few extra spices for flavour. Then, I coated the floured chicken in the egg wash, making sure it was completely covered. Finally, I dipped the chicken into a bowl of panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they were well coated and would turn out extra crispy once cooked.
Carefully, I placed the breaded chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, giving them a little space so they could crisp up evenly. I set the air fryer to 180°C and cooked them for around 35 minutes. About halfway through, I checked them and flipped them over to ensure even cooking on both sides. Cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the thighs, so it’s important to check that the chicken is cooked through before serving – juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach at least 75°C.
These air fryer breaded chicken thighs are delicious served with chips, a side salad, or simply on their own with your favourite dipping sauce. They also make a fantastic addition to picnics, BBQs, or buffets. For a more complete meal, try pairing them with my crispy air fryer veg slaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
You can easily customise the seasoning in your flour. Add cayenne or chilli powder for heat, or try dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for extra aroma. Tailor them to your taste and enjoy!
Tips for Air fryer Breaded Chicken
Air fryer breaded chicken thighs are a perfect mix of juicy, tender meat with a satisfyingly crispy coating. They are ideal for quick dinners without the mess of deep-frying. Follow these tips to get them just right every time:
1. Use boneless, skinless thighs
Boneless thighs cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer. Skinless cuts ensure the breadcrumb coating sticks well without slipping off.
2. Pat the chicken dry
Before breading, pat each thigh with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and improves crisping.
3. Set up a breading station
Dip each thigh into seasoned flour (salt, pepper, paprika), then beaten egg, and finally into breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for extra crunch, but regular ones work well too.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Heat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 minutes before cooking. This helps give the chicken a nice, golden finish.
5. Spray with oil
Lightly spray both sides of the breaded thighs with oil before air frying. This promotes crispiness and even browning without excess fat.
6. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Place the thighs in a single layer with space around them for air to circulate. If cooking a large batch, do it in two rounds for best results.
7. Flip halfway through cooking
Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway to get both sides evenly golden and crispy.
8. Check for doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). The juices should run clear.
9. Serve immediately
For the crispiest texture, serve your chicken hot from the air fryer with your favourite sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a crisp green salad.
These tips will help you nail breaded chicken thighs in the air fryer every time.
Similar recipes
If you like this air fryer breaded chicken, you might also like my air fryer stuffed chicken breast.
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