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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Easy Air Fryer Dinner

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These crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs are a quick and easy air fryer dinner that delivers a shatteringly crisp crust and juicy meat, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4 servings)
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Olive oil spray (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Set up breading station: Bowl 1: 1/2 cup flour mixed with 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bowl 2: 2 beaten eggs with 1 tablespoon water. Bowl 3: 1 cup panko, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  3. Working one thigh at a time, dredge in flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg wash, let excess drip. Press into breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides. Place on plate or wire rack.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken in single layer, leaving space. Work in batches if needed.
  6. Lightly spray tops of chicken with oil. Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes. Flip carefully, spray again, cook 10 to 12 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F to 170°F and coating is golden and crispy.
  7. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, let chicken sit at room temperature 15 minutes before breading. Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for superior flavor. If air fryer runs hot, start checking temperature at 20 minutes. To keep warm, place on wire rack in 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly, budget-friendly

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