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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, garlicky chicken thighs with a crunchy Parmesan crust using an air fryer for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 75 g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • About 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme mix)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let rest for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Mix well.
  3. Lightly brush or spray chicken thighs with olive oil. Press each thigh skin-side down into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat, pressing gently to adhere. Flip and coat the other side, with the skin side having the thickest crust.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway at 10 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The crust should be golden and crispy.
  6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure the crust sticks and becomes crispy. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow proper air circulation. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Dairy-free Parmesan substitutes or nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

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