Air Fryer Breaded Chicken

Cooking these air fryer breaded chicken thighs is a quick and easy way to achieve juicy meat with a delicious crispy skin on the outside! But air fried chicken thighs are a much healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken cooked in a deep fat fryer. These need no oil at all and they are so crispy and delicious.

Chicken is such a versatile meat. And experimenting with different recipes, like this one, where you can use cheaper cuts makes it all the more accessible. Don’t be fooled into thinking that chicken thighs are the poor relation to chicken breast. They might be cheaper but they are packed with flavour and I wouldn’t use anything else for this recipe.

One of the great things about using an air fryer is that it reduces the amount of fat in your meals without sacrificing taste or texture. This method of cooking is particularly good for those who are trying to cut down on their oil consumption. Or are looking for a healthier way to enjoy fried foods. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

PREP 10 minutes

COOK 35 minutes

SERVES 2 people

KIT you will need an air fryer and three 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 beat to make and egg wash.

I then started by dipping each chicken thigh into a bowl of seasoned flour, then coated in the egg wash and finally dipped them into the panko breadcrumbs.

Carefully place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook for around 35 minutes on 180c.

Check half way through the cook and always make sure your chicken is cooked throughout before serving, as each thigh is a different size. So you may need to adjust the times a little.

Serve these air fried chicken thighs with chips or a salad or just on their own with a dipping sauce.

These air fryer breaded chicken thighs make a great addition to picnics, BBQ’s, buffets, or can be served as a full weeknight dinner with a few accompaniments. Why not whip up a batch of my crispy air fryer veg slaw to accompany your chicken thighs.

In addition to the simple ingredients listed, you can customise your chicken thighs with a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste. For a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or chilli powder to the flour. For a more aromatic flavour, mix in some dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the seasoning to match the preferences of your family or guests.