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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

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These air fryer chicken thighs have a shatteringly crispy garlic Parmesan crust with juicy meat inside. A quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like comfort food reimagined.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a block)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup full-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.
  4. In another medium bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Mix with a fork until evenly distributed.
  5. Take one chicken thigh and spread a thin layer of the mayo-garlic mixture all over it. Dip into the breading mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Flip and repeat. Repeat with remaining thighs.
  6. Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place coated chicken thighs in the basket, skin-side up, leaving space between each.
  7. Cook for 12 minutes. At the 6-minute mark, carefully flip each thigh using tongs.
  8. After flipping, cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part away from the bone.
  9. If not done, cook in 2-minute increments. If browning too fast, reduce temperature to 350°F.
  10. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken completely dry for maximum crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. The mayo binder keeps chicken juicy and helps breading stick. Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juices. For oven method: bake at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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

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