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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer (Easy!)

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These crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs are a quick and easy weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes. The air fryer creates a shatteringly crisp, golden crust while keeping the meat incredibly juicy, all with minimal oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Coat each chicken thigh completely with the mayo mixture. Press into the breading mixture, coating all sides. Shake off excess.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place breaded thighs in a single layer without touching.
  7. Spray tops of chicken with olive oil spray. Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
  8. Flip thighs, spray the other side, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let chicken rest in the air fryer (turned off) for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry—it helps the breading stick. Use full-fat mayonnaise for best results. If chicken thighs are thick, add 2-3 minutes cooking time; if thin, check at 16 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds. For dairy-free, use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

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

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