Air-Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook chicken thighs, and you can have them ready in less than 30 minutes. They're a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner, and they're also budget-friendly. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, and the cooking time will vary depending on the type of chicken and the specific air fryer model. The key to getting juicy and tender chicken thighs is to cook them at the right temperature for the right amount of time. You can bread the chicken thighs for a crispy texture, and there are different breading options to choose from, such as Italian breadcrumbs or panko.

How to make Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on, or skinless)
• Breadcrumbs (plain, Italian seasoned, or panko)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Buttermilk (optional)
• Flour (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Eggs (optional)
• Spices (optional): paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, curry powder, chili powder

Method

• Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with a paper towel. If you are using skin-on chicken thighs, you may want to remove the skin before you start breading the chicken. You can also remove any visible chicken fat if you prefer.
• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with any spices you are using, and grated parmesan cheese if you are using it. Mix well.
• In a separate bowl, whisk an egg or two, depending on how many chicken thighs you are cooking. You can also add milk to the egg mixture if you like.
• In a third bowl, mix together some flour and cornstarch if you are using them. You can also add your spices to this mixture if you prefer.
• Take each chicken thigh and coat it first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each chicken thigh is completely coated.
• Place the breaded chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Spray the chicken thighs with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F.
• Cook the chicken thighs for around 12 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs, so keep an eye on them to make sure they don't overcook.
• Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you are using skin-on chicken thighs, leaving the skin on will help to seal in the juices and keep the chicken moist.
• You can use either plain, Italian seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs for this recipe. If you are using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, just omit any Italian seasoning from the spice mixture.
• If you want to add some extra flavour to your chicken thighs, you can marinate them in buttermilk before breading and cooking them. Simply combine the chicken thighs and buttermilk in a container and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight.
• You can serve your air fryer breaded chicken thighs with a variety of sides, such as roasted green beans, honey biscuits, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or a spring salad.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer breaded chicken thighs!

What to serve with Breaded Chicken Thighs

Breaded chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to accompany your juicy, crispy chicken:

Salads

A simple side salad with a homemade buttermilk ranch dressing is a great, fresh option to balance out the fried chicken. If you want something more substantial, try a burrata spring green salad or a tomato basil pasta salad.

Vegetables

Roasted green beans, ranch broccoli, or skillet garlic green beans all make tasty, healthy sides.

Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy macaroni casserole, bacon mashed potatoes, or old-fashioned potato salad are all delicious, comforting options to serve with the chicken.

Other Sides

For something a little more indulgent, try mac and cheese, honey biscuits, or garlic parmesan mashed potatoes.

Sauces

Don't forget to include some sauces for dipping! A honey mustard sauce is a great option—mix together some mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard.

With so many options to choose from, you can easily mix and match to create the perfect meal. Enjoy your juicy, crispy chicken thighs!

How to reheat Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Thighs

Preparation

Before reheating your chicken thighs, it is important to let them come up to room temperature. Depending on the size of the chicken, this can take between 10 and 20 minutes. This step is important as it allows the protein in the chicken to relax, preventing the meat from becoming tough.

Air Fryer Settings

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F/190°C. This will take around three to four minutes and can be done while you wait for your chicken to reach room temperature.

Reheating the Chicken Thighs

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Spraying the chicken with a little oil at this stage will help to achieve maximum crispiness.

Reheat the chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through so that they reheat evenly. After this time, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.

Tips

• Avoid piling pieces of chicken on top of each other in the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the skin from becoming crispy and can dry out your chicken.
• For best results, consume leftover chicken within four days.
• Do not reheat chicken more than once, as this increases the risk of foodborne illness.

How long to cook chicken thighs in an air fryer

The cooking time for chicken thighs in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of chicken thigh (boneless or bone-in), the desired level of doneness, and the specific air fryer model being used. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you cook juicy and delicious chicken thighs in your air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer, there are some essential steps to follow. Firstly, decide on the seasoning and breading, if desired. You can use a variety of spices and herbs like paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a simple combination of salt and pepper. For breading, you can opt for flour, breadcrumbs (regular, Italian seasoned, or panko), Parmesan cheese, or a combination of these ingredients.

Once you've gathered your ingredients, prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with a paper towel. If you choose to use a breading, coat the chicken thighs in a flour mixture, dip them in an egg wash, and then coat them with the breading of your choice. Ensure that the breading adheres to all sides of the chicken.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Now, for the main event—how long to cook those chicken thighs! The cooking time will vary depending on whether your chicken thighs are boneless or bone-in.

For boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time generally ranges from 12 to 20 minutes in an air fryer. This time frame applies regardless of whether your chicken thighs are breaded or unbreaded. It's important to note that the exact cooking time may differ slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken thighs and the model of your air fryer. As a rule of thumb, thicker chicken thighs will require a few extra minutes, and it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific guidelines.

For bone-in chicken thighs, you can expect a cooking time of 14 to 25 minutes in an air fryer. Again, this timeframe applies to both breaded and unbreaded chicken thighs. As with boneless thighs, the cooking time may be influenced by the thickness of the meat and the model of your air fryer.

To ensure your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, it's crucial to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). However, some sources suggest cooking chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C) for optimal doneness.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring proper air circulation for even cooking.
• Don't stack the chicken thighs on top of each other, especially if they are breaded, as this can affect the crispness of the coating.
• If you're cooking multiple batches, it's a good idea to lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray between batches to prevent sticking.
• For optimal crispness, some recipes suggest cooking the chicken thighs presentation side (or skin side) down first and then flipping them halfway through the cooking process.
• Allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute and ensure juicy, tender meat.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried chicken thighs pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted green beans, honey biscuits, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or a fresh spring salad.

Reheating and Storage

To reheat your air-fried chicken thighs, simply place them back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will help maintain their crispness and ensure they are warmed through.

For storage, you can keep cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you have leftover breaded chicken thighs, they are best stored separately from any unbreaded sides to maintain their crispness.

Cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare a delicious and juicy meal. By following the guidelines provided, you can ensure that your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection every time. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings, breadings, and serving options to find your favorite combinations!

Can you use Panko instead of Italian breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use Panko instead of Italian breadcrumbs when making air fryer breaded chicken thighs. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is widely available in grocery stores. It is made using a special technique that creates a crustless bread with light, jagged flakes filled with tiny air pockets. This results in a lighter, crunchier texture for fried foods.

Panko is also a good option if you want your chicken to be crispier. It tends to be larger in size, allowing it to hold more moisture and crisp up more when frying. It also stays crispy for longer. However, if you prefer a less crispy texture, regular breadcrumbs may be a better option.

When substituting Panko for Italian breadcrumbs, a 1:1 substitution usually works well. If the recipe calls for finer breadcrumbs, you can always pulse the Panko in a food processor or break it up a bit with your hands first.

To get the best results when making air fryer breaded chicken thighs with Panko, follow these steps:

• Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in a large bowl.
• Whisk eggs in a separate small bowl.
• Pour Panko bread crumbs into a third bowl large enough to dip a whole chicken thigh.
• Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dredge it in the egg wash, and finish by coating it with the Panko crumbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Spray your air fryer basket and chicken thighs with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure crispness.
• Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
• Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions