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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (Best Easy Recipe)

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These crispy garlic Parmesan chicken thighs in the air fryer deliver a shatteringly crunchy crust with juicy, tender meat inside. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients for a weeknight dinner that rivals takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra grated Parmesan (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit uncovered on a plate for 5 minutes to air dry.
  2. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then rub the seasoning mixture all over each piece, including under the skin if possible.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix with a fork.
  4. Press each seasoned chicken thigh firmly into the Parmesan mixture, skin side down first, then flip to coat the other side. Place coated thighs on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Do not overcrowd.
  7. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  8. Carefully flip each thigh using tongs. Air fry for another 10-12 minutes at 375°F (190°C), until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let chicken rest on a wire rack or plate for 5 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken completely dry for crispiest skin. Grate fresh Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t crisp properly. Don’t overcrowd the basket; work in batches if needed. Let coated chicken rest 5 minutes before cooking to help coating adhere. For extra browning, lightly spritz with oil before cooking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-in-air-fryer-best-easy-recipe/