Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe
A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful garlic and parmesan crust. Perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 30-32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in, coating both sides well.
- Press each chicken thigh firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, especially on the skin side, to form a thick, crunchy layer.
- Place the coated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
Pat chicken skin dry before coating for best crispiness. Press coating firmly onto skin to prevent crust from falling off. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Leftovers can be reheated in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20
- Protein: 18
Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken, parmesan crust