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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer) – Best Easy Recipe

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These crispy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs are quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. With a shatteringly crunchy coating and juicy meat, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Trim excess skin or fat if desired. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the coating: In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Oil the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over seasoned chicken thighs and use hands or a brush to coat each piece evenly.
  4. Coat the chicken: Working one piece at a time, press each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are well covered. Place coated thighs on a plate.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Arrange in the basket: Place coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up, without touching.
  7. Cook: Air fry at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. At the 10-minute mark, carefully flip each thigh using tongs. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
  8. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check temperature. If not 165°F, cook for another 2-3 minutes and check again.
  9. Rest: Let chicken rest in the air fryer basket (turned off) for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken completely dry for maximum crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs for best texture. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Flip halfway through cooking. Let chicken rest before serving to keep juices in. For larger batches, keep cooked thighs warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack.

Nutrition

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

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