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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy boneless chicken thighs coated in a crispy mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and cornstarch. Mix well.
  3. In a second shallow bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
  4. Dredge each chicken thigh in the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Press again to ensure the coating adheres.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken thighs are patted completely dry before breading to prevent soggy coating. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. For a gluten-free option, swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, quick weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy air fryer meals