Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, crispy chicken thighs coated with garlic, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs, cooked perfectly in the air fryer in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder as substitute)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 60 grams) – can use gluten-free panko
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Add olive oil and stir until crumbly but evenly coated (3 minutes).
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss gently, pressing the coating firmly onto the skin to ensure adhesion (3-5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and run empty for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding (1-2 minutes).
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through at about 10 minutes to ensure even browning. The skin should be golden and crispy, and internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Press coating firmly onto skin to prevent flaking. Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket for even cooking. Flip halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and gluten-free panko.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe-for-perfect-juicy-meals/