Indulge in the rich flavors and succulent tenderness of these meticulously prepared Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. The journey to perfection begins with a tantalizing marinade that infuses each bite with a symphony of tastes. A concoction of olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper transforms the chicken into a canvas for savory delight. Allow this ensemble to mingle in the refrigerator for at least four hours or, for an even more profound flavor profile, let it marinate overnight, ensuring that the essence of every ingredient seeps into the meat.

As the marinated thighs make their way to the air fryer, a crisp and flavorful coating awaits them. A symphony of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper wraps the chicken in a crunchy embrace. The air fryer becomes the stage where this culinary symphony unfolds, cooking the thighs to golden perfection in a span of 25-30 minutes at 375°F. The result is a masterpiece of crispy exteriors giving way to succulent, perfectly cooked chicken within.

Garnished with fresh parsley, these air-fried chicken thighs are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Serve them alongside your preferred accompaniments—be it the earthy richness of mashed potatoes, the vibrancy of roasted vegetables, or the crisp freshness of a green salad. This recipe elevates the humble chicken thigh to a culinary masterpiece, promising a memorable dining experience with each delectable bite.

Chicken thighs

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Coating:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Marinating the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.

2. Preparing the Coating:

  1. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix well to ensure an even coating for the chicken.

3. Air Frying:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
  3. Coat each thigh with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere.
  4. Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
  5. Cook in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), turning halfway through for even cooking.
  6. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

4. Serving:

  1. Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  2. Serve the air-fried chicken thighs with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Enjoy this flavorful and crispy air-fried chicken thighs recipe!