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Crispy Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Easy Lemon Herb Crust Recipe

crispy air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for boneless skinless chicken thighs with a crispy lemon herb crust, cooked in the air fryer for juicy, tender results and a fresh, zesty flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (medium-sized pieces)
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 75 grams)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 grams, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors. (5 minutes)
  3. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the dry mixture. Toss until the crumbs are moistened but not soggy. (2 minutes)
  4. Press each chicken thigh firmly into the lemon herb crust mixture, covering both sides completely. (5 minutes)
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  6. Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary. (2 minutes)
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through cooking (around 6 minutes) using tongs. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and crust is golden brown. (12 minutes)
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Press crust firmly onto chicken to prevent falling off. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Cooking times may vary by air fryer model; watch closely to avoid drying out. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast. Preheating the air fryer helps crisp the crust faster but can be skipped with added cooking time. To reheat leftovers, air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-boneless-skinless-chicken-thighs-easy-lemon-herb-crust-recipe/