An air fryer classic that’s quick, easy and seriously tasty! This crispy panko chicken recipe is perfect for those days when you want something delicious without spending ages in the kitchen.
Coated in golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs and cooked in the air fryer, the chicken is beautifully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s ideal for a quick lunch, a midweek dinner or even something to share.
And what makes it even better? The pesto mayo. Creamy, herby and packed with flavour, it’s the perfect dipping sauce to complement that crispy coating. I made my own pesto for this recipe, but this shop-bought pesto works just as well if you’re short on time. Sometimes keeping things simple is exactly what you need!
One of the best things about this crispy panko chicken is how versatile it is. Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a satisfying midweek dinner, there are plenty of ways to turn it into a delicious meal.
My personal favourite is serving it alongside my Sautéed Tenderstem Broccoli. It’s quick, simple and adds a lovely freshness that balances out the golden, crispy chicken and creamy pesto mayo.
You could also pair it with some roasted potatoes, fluffy rice or a fresh side salad. Whatever you choose, don’t forget an extra helping of that pesto mayo for dipping!
Absolutely! In fact, it’s my favourite way to make crispy panko chicken. The air fryer gives the breadcrumbs a lovely golden crunch while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside, without needing loads of oil.
I use my air fryer for recipes like this all the time because it’s quick, convenient and makes cleaning up so much easier.
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The trick is to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Give each piece of chicken enough space for the hot air to circulate, and lightly spray the breadcrumbs with oil to help them turn golden and crispy.
For the best results, serve your chicken straight away while the coating is still beautifully crunchy. And don’t forget the pesto mayo for dipping!
Definitely! Although I made my own pesto for this recipe, shop-bought pesto is a brilliant shortcut when you’re short on time.
Simply mix your favourite pesto with mayonnaise until it’s creamy and well combined. You can adjust the quantities depending on how strong you like the pesto flavour. It’s quick, easy and tastes delicious alongside the crispy chicken.
I made my own pesto for this recipe, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a shortcut! If you’re looking to save a little time, this shop-bought pesto works perfectly for making a delicious, creamy pesto mayo without the extra prep.
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2
servings15
minutes25
minutesGolden, crispy panko chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer and served with a creamy, herby pesto mayo. Quick, easy and packed with flavour, this recipe is perfect for a delicious midweek meal without the fuss.
500g boneless chicken thighs (halved or left whole)
1 tablespoon Chilli oil
1 teaspoon All-purpose seasoning
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Sweet soy sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha seasoning
Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Pesto (homemade or shop-bought)
3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
Chilli powder, to garnish
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