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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Thighs – Easy 20-Minute Recipe

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These crispy air fryer parmesan chicken thighs are ready in 20 minutes with a golden, crunchy crust and juicy meat. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality results without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (4–6 thighs)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning chicken
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the breading to stick.
  2. Season both sides of each thigh with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In one medium bowl, beat the eggs until uniform. In another bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Dip each chicken thigh into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly onto both sides. Place on a plate.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange breaded thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Lightly spray tops with olive oil.
  7. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip thighs, spray the other side with oil, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and crust is deep golden brown.
  8. Let chicken rest in the turned-off air fryer for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure breading sticks. Press breading firmly into the meat. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F. Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to keep juices in. For thicker thighs, add 2-3 minutes cook time; for thinner, check at 16 minutes. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, parmesan chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, 20-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, keto chicken, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-air-fryer-parmesan-chicken-thighs-easy-20-minute-recipe/