Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy and Perfect

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, garlicky, and cheesy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer, combining bold flavors with a satisfying crunch and juicy meat inside. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (medium-sized)
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup freshly grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Brush each chicken thigh lightly with 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil.
  4. Press the thighs skin-side down into the breadcrumb mixture, patting firmly to ensure the coating adheres well.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Place the coated thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
  7. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy.
  9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use freshly grated parmesan for best crust texture. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. If some spots are less crispy after flipping, spray lightly with olive oil and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-air-fryer-recipe-easy-and-perfect/