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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Awaits

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Awaits

3.50 from 4 votes
Golden, juicy, and perfectly crispy—this air fryer chicken delivers all the crunch without the deep fryer. Ready in under 35 minutes, it's a healthier, mess-free way to enjoy your favorite comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Method
 

Steps
  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Place beaten egg in a second bowl and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
  4. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Lightly spray or brush both sides of the coated chicken with olive oil.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place chicken in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between pieces.
  7. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, then cook for another 8–10 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

For extra crispiness, spray the chicken lightly with oil again after flipping. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.