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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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These crispy garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs deliver a crunchy, flavorful crust with juicy, tender meat inside. Ready in about 25 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh (or garlic powder as substitute)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free panko optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 2 minutes).
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix minced garlic, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Brush or rub each chicken thigh with about ½ tablespoon olive oil to help the coating stick and encourage browning.
  5. Press each chicken thigh firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated, especially on the skin side (3-4 minutes for all pieces).
  6. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 10 minutes) using tongs gently to avoid knocking off the coating.
  8. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), skin is golden brown and crispy, and juices run clear.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Use olive oil to help the coating stick and brown well. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy skin. Let coated chicken rest a few minutes before cooking to help crumbs adhere better. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or almond flour. If air fryer is unavailable, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes with broil finish for crispiness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-best-easy-recipe-for-juicy-flavor/