Print

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

crispy air-fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs with a bright lemon-herb crust, made easy and quick using an air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple ingredients for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim any extra fat. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and lemon zest. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Let sit while preparing crust. (5 minutes)
  3. In another bowl, mix garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dredge each chicken thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere crust on all sides. Place coated thighs on a plate. (10 minutes)
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (18 minutes total)
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Serve warm with your favorite sides or fresh salad.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Preheat air fryer to lock in moisture and ensure a crispy crust. Press crust firmly onto chicken. Flip gently to avoid crust falling off. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Cook in batches if basket is crowded. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free crackers. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and increase panko slightly. Oven baking alternative: bake at 425°F (220°C) on wire rack for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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

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