Air-Fried Breaded Chicken Thighs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook chicken thighs, and they come out tender and juicy on the inside, with a nice crispy skin. This method uses little to no oil, making it healthier than traditional frying methods. The basic steps are to coat the chicken thighs in a breading mixture, place them in the air fryer, and cook at a high temperature for around 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs.

Choosing your chicken thighs

When it comes to choosing your chicken thighs, you have a few options. You can opt for boneless or bone-in, and skin-on or skinless. The choice is yours and will depend on your personal preference and dietary requirements. If you enjoy the skin, then choosing skin-on thighs is a great way to get that crispy texture and flavour. However, if you're watching your fat intake, you may prefer to go for skinless thighs.

For this recipe, you'll need around four chicken thighs. You can use fresh or frozen chicken thighs, but if you're using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Check the packaging for instructions on how to safely defrost your chicken. It's important to handle raw chicken with care and avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands and any surfaces the chicken has touched.

When selecting your chicken thighs, look for ones that have a nice, even colour and firm texture. Avoid any with discolouration or an odd smell, as these may be signs that the chicken is past its prime. Try to choose thighs of a similar size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. You can trim any excess fat from the edges if you prefer, or leave it on for extra juiciness.

Once you've selected your chicken thighs, you'll want to pat them dry with a paper towel before brushing the skins with olive oil or avocado oil. This will help the spices adhere to the surface and create a delicious crust. You can also use cooking spray for this step if you prefer.

Now you're ready to move on to the next step of breading your chicken thighs!

Preparing the coating

The coating is what gives your chicken that delicious crunch, so it's important to get it right! Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the perfect coating for your air fryer chicken thighs:

Start by preparing your breading mixture. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients such as flour, breadcrumbs, spices, and seasonings. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the mix for extra flavour. For a simple option, just use flour, salt and Old Bay seasoning. For a spicier blend, try smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, curry powder, and chili powder. Give the mixture a good whisk or stir to ensure everything is evenly combined.

You can also add an egg and milk to the dry ingredients to make a batter. Whisk the wet ingredients together until fluffy, then mix with the dry ingredients. This will give your chicken a thicker coating.

Now it's time to coat your chicken thighs. First, pat the thighs dry with a paper towel. Then, you have a few options:

• Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, then into an egg, and back into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for 5-10 minutes, or even overnight if you're preparing in advance. Then, coat each piece of chicken with the breading mixture.
• Place the chicken and your chosen dry ingredients into a large plastic bag. Shake the bag until each piece of chicken is well coated.

Once your chicken is coated, give it a light spray with avocado oil or cooking spray. This will help the coating crisp up and turn a gorgeous golden colour.

Cooking the chicken

Now that your air fryer is preheated to 390°F (or 375°F–380°F), it's time to cook the chicken.

First, you'll want to coat the chicken with the breading mixture. Press the chicken into the mixture, one piece at a time, ensuring the breading sticks to all sides. Then, place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Don't stack the chicken pieces on top of each other.

Cook the chicken for 20–25 minutes. If you're using boneless chicken thighs, they should be done in around 18 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F, or 180°F if you want more tender meat.

If the breading is getting too dark but the chicken isn't cooked through yet, you can close the basket and let the chicken rest for a few minutes, or turn the air fryer back on for a few minutes.

Tips and tricks

• If you're using an air fryer with a chicken preset, select that option. Otherwise, set the temperature to 360°F.
• You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken without disrupting the cooking process.
• To make the chicken extra crispy, shake the basket halfway through cooking.
• If you're cooking chicken breasts, consider using a batter to seal in moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
• If you want to avoid floury skin, use a cooking spray on the chicken.

Reheating the chicken

If you have any leftover chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat the chicken, it is best to use the air fryer to preserve the crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid using the microwave, as this can make the breading soggy.

If you do not have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet or Pyrex dish. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the chicken over and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Alternatively, you can also use a microwave to reheat the chicken. Remove the lid from the container and microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes or until the chicken is warm.

Serving suggestions

Side Dishes

• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Basic mashed potatoes
• Sautéed green beans
• Creamy mac and cheese
• Southern green beans
• Broccolini
• Sweet potatoes

Dipping Sauces

You could also serve your breaded chicken thighs with a variety of sauces for dipping, such as:

• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Hot sauce
• Garlic aioli

Salads

Alternatively, a fresh, crisp salad could complement the richness of the breaded chicken:

• Classic Caesar salad
• Garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Greek salad with feta cheese and olives
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw

Drinks

To drink, you could pair the breaded chicken thighs with:

• Ice-cold beer
• Crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• Lemonade or iced tea
• Fruity cocktail, such as a margarita or daiquiri

Frequently asked questions