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Skillet Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, air fryer dinner recipes for busy nights
Brittany Stage

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Chicken tenders dipped in egg wash and pressed into seasoned panko cook at 400 degrees F until golden and crisp outside, juicy inside. No deep frying, quick cleanup, and ready in under 25 minutes.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt skip if your lemon pepper blend is already salty
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water for the egg wash
  • olive oil cooking spray for the basket and the tops of tenders

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • two shallow bowls
  • tongs
  • cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If any of them are very thick, gently press them flatter with your palm so they cook evenly.
  2. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until combined. In a second shallow bowl, stir together the panko, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Working one tender at a time, dip it in the egg wash and let the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the panko mixture on both sides. Press down a little so the coating really adheres. Set each breaded tender on a plate while you finish the rest.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the tenders in a single layer with a small gap between each one. Do not stack them. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray, which helps the panko turn golden.
  5. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping carefully with tongs at the 6-minute mark. After flipping, spray the second side lightly again. The tenders are done when the coating is deep golden and the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F. If they need a minute more, give them that extra time.
  6. Serve immediately with honey mustard, ranch, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which softens the crust. Freeze cooked tenders for up to 1 month.