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Crispy Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Easy Lemon Herb Recipe

crispy air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers golden, crispy boneless skinless chicken thighs with a fresh, zesty lemon herb crust. Quick and easy to prepare, it balances a crunchy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, chopped thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with water to make the egg wash.
  4. Dip each chicken thigh into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat dipping and coating for extra coverage if desired.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and run empty for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and firm up the crust.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Spritz olive oil mid-cook for extra golden crust. For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free panko or almond flour. For dairy-free, replace egg wash with dairy-free yogurt mixed with lemon juice. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, lemon herb chicken, boneless skinless chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken