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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated with a flavorful garlic and parmesan crust, cooked quickly and easily in an air fryer for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: lemon zest
  • Optional substitutions: almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for gluten-free, nutritional yeast for dairy-free

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispier skin.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub evenly to help the coating stick.
  4. Press each chicken thigh into the garlic parmesan mixture, covering skin and edges thoroughly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the thighs carefully using tongs and cook an additional 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crispy.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and set the crust.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before coating for best crispiness. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for optimal browning and flavor. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy skin. If parmesan browns too quickly, reduce temperature by 10-15°F and increase cooking time slightly. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and crusty. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free crackers. For dairy-free, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, low-carb, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-air-fryer-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner-idea/