Crispy and Flavorful Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Thighs

Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy meat with this easy air fryer sesame chicken thighs recipe. The chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful marinade, coated with a crunchy sesame breading, and then air fried to perfection. This dish is packed with Asian flavors and is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with steamed rice and your favorite veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for extra flavor.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
6. Dredge each chicken thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure it sticks to both sides. Set aside on a plate.
7. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
8. Place the breaded chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding.
9. Air fry the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Halfway through cooking, flip the chicken thighs to ensure even browning.
11. Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
12. Serve hot and crispy air fryer sesame chicken thighs with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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