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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Thighs Easy Air Fryer Recipe

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This recipe delivers crispy, garlicky, and cheesy crusted chicken thighs with juicy meat inside, made quickly and easily in an air fryer for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds / 700-900g)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 60g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub evenly into the skin and flesh.
  4. Press each chicken thigh firmly into the Parmesan mixture, coating skin and sides generously.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  6. Arrange coated chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip each thigh carefully using tongs.
  8. Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until coating is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and set the crust.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crunch. Press coating firmly onto chicken to prevent falling off. Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor. If air fryer basket is not non-stick, lightly spray with cooking spray. For oven method, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes flipping halfway. Refrigerate coated chicken up to 4 hours before cooking if needed. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, baked chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, crunchy chicken, weeknight dinner

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