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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe

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Quick and easy air fryer chicken thighs with a crispy garlic parmesan crust, juicy inside and crunchy outside, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme mix)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Optional: zest of 1 lemon
  • Optional variations: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat, almond flour for gluten-free, nutritional yeast for dairy-free

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, minced garlic (or garlic powder), and lemon zest if using.
  3. In a separate bowl, add olive oil or melted butter to help the coating stick and brown the crust.
  4. Dip each chicken thigh into the oil or butter mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the basket without overlapping.
  6. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best crispiness. Use fresh parmesan for better melting and browning. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Let rest before serving. For smaller air fryers, cook in batches. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent soggy crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-air-fryer-recipe-easy-5-step-guide-2/