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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Parmesan Panko Recipe

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful garlic Parmesan panko crust, cooked quickly and easily in an air fryer for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100g), preferably Japanese-style
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g), freshly grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fine
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the crust stick and crisp the skin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  3. Press the panko mixture firmly onto the skin side of each chicken thigh, about 2 tablespoons per thigh.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Press panko mixture firmly onto chicken to prevent falling off. Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, air fry an additional 1-2 minutes if needed. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, panko crust, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe

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