Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Do you love fried chicken but want a healthier option? Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers the crispy, juicy texture of traditional fried chicken with much less oil. Using an air fryer, you can make golden, flavorful chicken without the guilt, perfect for a family dinner or special treat.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help achieve crispiness.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Breading: In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, and the remaining seasoning mix.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken thigh into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour-panko mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken thighs in the basket without overlapping. Spray the chicken with a light layer of cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain the juiciness.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and flour mixture steps.
- You can swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or wings.
- For spicier chicken, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Adjust cooking times for larger or smaller chicken pieces.