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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, crispy chicken thighs with a flavorful garlic and parmesan crust, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams), freshly grated recommended
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50 grams), plain or Italian-seasoned
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin or lighter olive oil)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and a pinch more black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed. (Prep time: 3 minutes)
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in to coat all sides. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
  4. Press each thigh into the parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring the crust sticks well, especially on the skin side. Shake off any excess coating and lay the thighs on a plate or baking sheet. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  5. Arrange the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip thighs skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best crust texture. Flip carefully with tongs to avoid removing the crust. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to keep juices locked in. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or alternatives. To reheat leftovers, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick chicken, parmesan crust