Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner

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

This crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy crust and juicy, tender chicken. Quick and easy to make, it’s a flavorful dinner option that impresses without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 60 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors. (3 minutes)
  3. Lightly spray each chicken thigh with olive oil spray, then toss them in the parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well to the skin and edges. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Place the coated chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. (2 minutes)
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until golden edges appear and garlic parmesan aroma fills the kitchen. (12 minutes)
  7. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs, skin-side up, and cook for another 8–10 minutes until skin is deeply golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and keep the crust intact. (5 minutes)
  9. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before coating is crucial for crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs for best texture. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Spray lightly with olive oil to help the crust brown. Flip halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. If coating browns too fast, lower temperature slightly and cook longer. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free crackers. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan alternatives.

Nutrition

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

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