Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor—a perfect easy meal for any night of the week. Coated with a crunchy panko crust and optionally finished with a sweet honey glaze, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (approximately 4 thighs)
• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

Honey Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl that is large enough to dip a whole chicken thigh.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken thigh first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated thighs on a clean plate or cutting board.
5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (about 1-2 minutes, depending on your model).
6. Step 6: Spray the air fryer basket and chicken thighs lightly with olive oil spray to help crisp the coating and prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Working in batches, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
8. Step 8: Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then, use tongs to flip each thigh and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until all sides are crispy. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
9. Step 9: While the chicken cooks, prepare the honey glaze by combining honey and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat and let cool. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
10. Step 10: When the chicken is finished, brush each thigh with the honey glaze before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra crispy crust, spray the chicken lightly with oil before air frying.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Bone-in thighs will work, but cooking time will be longer. Make sure to check the internal temperature and adjust as needed to reach 165°F.

Is the honey glaze necessary?

No, the honey glaze is optional but adds a delicious sweet contrast to the savory, crispy chicken. You can serve the chicken plain or with your favorite dipping sauce instead.

Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Panko Chicken Thighs are easy to prepare, featuring a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating and a delicious honey glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook to juicy perfection in the air fryer, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating

• 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (approximately 4 thighs)
• 2 large Eggs
• 2/3 cup All Purpose Flour
• 2/3 cup Cornstarch
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tablespoon Onion Powder

Honey Glaze (Optional)

• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to create an evenly seasoned flour mixture.
2. Whisk Eggs: In a separate small bowl, whisk the two large eggs until smooth and well combined to make the egg wash.
3. Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a third bowl large enough to dip the chicken thighs, pour in the panko breadcrumbs, ready for coating.
4. Coat the Chicken: Take each boneless skinless chicken thigh and first dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place each coated thigh on a clean surface such as a plate or cutting board.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (177°C), which typically takes 1-2 minutes depending on your model.
6. Prepare for Air Frying: Spray the air fryer basket and the coated chicken thighs lightly with olive oil spray. This helps to achieve a crisp exterior and prevents sticking.
7. Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry at 350°F for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, use tongs to flip each thigh and continue air frying for another 3-5 minutes until all sides are crisp.
8. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
9. Make the Honey Glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the honey and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a rolling boil, then remove from heat and set aside to cool. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
10. Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, brush the honey glaze over each thigh for an added sweet and glossy finish.

Notes

• Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to achieve even crispiness.
• Using olive oil spray helps to crisp the chicken and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
• The honey glaze is optional but adds a wonderful sweet glaze that complements the crispy coating.
• Cook the chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Allow the glaze to cool and thicken before brushing it on the chicken.

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, panko chicken, crispy chicken, honey glazed chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, air fryer recipes