Crispy Breaded Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Name: Crispy Breaded Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper; 0.25 cup Bread Crumbs; 1 cup Buttermilk; 4 whole Chicken Thigh; 1 tsp Cooking Spray; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese; 0.5 tsp Onion Powder; 0.5 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Salt

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 American High-Protein 💪Low-Carb Comfort-Food

Crispy Breaded Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer deliver a crackling crust with tender, juicy meat beneath. The buttermilk soak keeps the chicken succulent while a Parmesan breadcrumb coating adds rich, cheesy depth with hints of garlic, paprika, and pepper. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together, they pair well with simple sides like slaw or roasted vegetables.

Prep15 mins
Cook25 mins
Serves4
DifficultyEasy

1

Place the chicken thighs and buttermilk in a non-reactive lidded container or a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Drain off the buttermilk and let the chicken sit on the counter while you prepare the breading mixture.
3

In a large, shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the flour, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and black pepper; whisk or stir with a fork until evenly mixed.
4

Preheat the air fryer to 375 to 380 degrees F (190 to 195 degrees C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
5

When the air fryer is hot, press the chicken thighs, one at a time, into the breading mixture, ensuring the breading adheres to all sides as much as possible. Gently place them in the air fryer basket. Repeat until all thighs are breaded and in the basket, without stacking them.
6

Set the air fryer for 25 minutes. When the time is up, check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). If they are not quite done but the breading is getting dark, close the basket and let them rest, or turn the air fryer on again for a few more minutes and check again. Serve immediately.