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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy and Perfect

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful garlic parmesan chicken thighs cooked quickly and easily in an air fryer, perfect for fuss-free dinners with a golden crust and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • Butter, melted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using. Mix well.
  3. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lightly brush or spray each piece with olive oil.
  4. Press each chicken thigh firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating the skin side well.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip thighs skin side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs for best crunch. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast. To reheat leftovers, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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