Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs for that tender juiciness.
- Breadcrumbs or panko give that perfect crunch.
- Eggs help the coating stick to the chicken.
- A mix of spices like paprika and garlic powder adds flavor.
- Pick your favorite buns and top with lettuce, tomato, or any condiment you love.
Instructions
- Preparation of Chicken Thighs: Start by taking your boneless, skinless chicken thighs out of the fridge. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures they’re clean and ready for seasoning.
- Slicing for Sandwich Size: If the chicken thighs are particularly thick, consider slicing them horizontally to get a more uniform thickness. This helps them cook evenly and fit better in your sandwich buns.
- Selecting Chicken Thighs: Opt for chicken thighs that are about the same size for uniform cooking. This cut is ideal for air frying due to its natural juiciness and flavor.
- Seasoning the Chicken: Season both sides of your chicken thighs with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This basic seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the chicken, but feel free to get creative.
- Marinade Options: For those who like a bit more flavor, marinate your chicken thighs for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge. You can use anything from a simple olive oil and herb mix to something more exotic like a yogurt spice marinade.
- Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior right from the start.
- Arranging Chicken in the Basket: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overlapping to allow for good air circulation. This ensures even cooking and crisping.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Cook the chicken thighs for about 10 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and your air fryer model.
- Checking for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F by using a meat thermometer. This step is vital for food safety.
- Serving: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then assemble your sandwiches. Add the chicken to your favorite buns and top with lettuce, tomato, and any condiments you like.
Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each chicken thigh cooks evenly.
- For those looking for a crunchier exterior, a light spray of cooking oil on the chicken before air frying can do wonders.
- Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite combination. The versatility of chicken makes it a perfect canvas for flavors.
- Remember, the cooking time may need adjustment based on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. Keep an eye on them, especially the first time you try this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal per sandwich
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken sandwich