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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy and Perfect

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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy garlic parmesan chicken thighs made quickly and easily in an air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines a golden crust with a flavorful garlicky parmesan coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. Carefully loosen the skin without detaching it completely, then sprinkle salt and pepper directly onto the meat beneath the skin. (3 minutes)
  3. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup finely grated parmesan, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add lemon zest if using. Mix well. (5 minutes)
  4. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with 2 cloves minced fresh garlic. Let it sit for a minute to infuse. (2 minutes)
  5. Coat the skin side of each chicken thigh with the garlic oil mixture using a brush or fingers. (3 minutes)
  6. Press the parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the oiled skin side of each thigh to create an even crust. (5 minutes)
  7. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and run empty for 3 minutes.
  8. Place the thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket spaced apart. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown. (Total 18-20 minutes)
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for best crispiness. Season under the skin for deeper flavor. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Press coating firmly onto chicken skin. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. If garlic burns, lower temperature slightly. For extra browning, broil 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Leftovers reheat best in 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 crusted chicken

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