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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe for golden, crispy chicken thighs coated in a garlicky, cheesy Parmesan crust, cooked perfectly in an air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free panko for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Drizzle olive oil into the mixture and stir until it resembles a crumbly, slightly wet coating (about 2 minutes).
  4. Rub a thin layer of olive oil on each chicken thigh to help the mixture stick better.
  5. Press the Parmesan-garlic mixture firmly onto the skin side of each thigh (about 5 minutes).
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Place coated thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces (about 1 minute).
  8. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through using tongs to avoid disrupting the crust. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before coating for maximum crispiness. Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the skin to avoid patchy crusts. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. If crust isn’t brown enough, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes on broil or grill setting, watching carefully to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep crust intact.

Nutrition

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

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