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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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This easy 5-minute recipe delivers irresistibly crispy chicken thighs coated in a savory garlic-parmesan crust, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a juicy and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (approx. 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Brush each chicken thigh lightly with about 1 tablespoon olive oil to help the coating stick.
  4. Press each oiled chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, coating the skin side thoroughly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crisp.
  8. Let the chicken rest on a plate or wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and maintain crispiness.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid soggy skin. Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even crisping. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free breadcrumbs. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free panko. If coating isn’t crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-5-minute-recipe/