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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe delivers golden, crispy chicken thighs with a savory garlic-Parmesan crust using an air fryer for a quick, fuss-free dinner that’s juicy inside and crunchy outside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams), preferably freshly grated
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (around 60 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or any neutral cooking spray
  • 2 minced fresh garlic cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels to remove moisture from the skin (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly onto all sides of the chicken thighs. Mix in minced fresh garlic if using (3-4 minutes).
  3. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (2 minutes).
  4. Press each seasoned chicken thigh into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, coating the skin side well (5 minutes).
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket, spaced apart (1 minute).
  7. Lightly spray the coated side with olive oil spray (30 seconds).
  8. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side lightly if desired.
  9. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, cook 2-3 minutes longer.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Use panko breadcrumbs for a light, crunchy crust. Spray olive oil before cooking to help browning. Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Let chicken rest before serving to lock in juices. For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free breadcrumbs. Oven baking alternative: bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/