Heart-Healthy Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs
Discover the irresistible crunch of *Heart-Healthy Crispy Air Fried Chicken Thighs*, a lighter take on classic fried chicken that's big on flavor and low on fat. This recipe features bone-in, skinless chicken thighs coated in a blend of whole-wheat breadcrumbs and heart-healthy seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Air frying creates a golden, crispy crust while locking in juiciness—without the need for excess oil. With just 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or healthier comfort food cravings. Pair it with steamed veggies or a crisp salad for a wholesome, satisfying meal packed with protein and flavor. Plus, the use of olive oil and a splash of low-sodium chicken broth boosts both nutrition and taste, making it a guilt-free indulgence you'll want to enjoy again and again!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.5 cup Whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and whole-wheat breadcrumbs until well combined.
In another bowl, combine the olive oil and low-sodium chicken broth.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings and breadcrumbs adhere better.
Brush each chicken thigh with the olive oil and broth mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Dredge each thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for a good coat.
Place the chicken thighs into the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
Cook in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juiciness and makes the coating crispier.
Serve with your favorite heart-healthy sides, such as steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.5 g | 107% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.2 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 654 mg | 218% | |
| Sodium | 1497 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.9 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 165.5 g | 331% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 134 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 1653 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
