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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Easy Fall Dinner

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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These crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs are the kind of meal that makes you look forward to weeknight cooking again. Ready in under 30 minutes, they combine juicy dark meat with a crunchy, garlicky, cheesy crust for ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan for serving
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a paper towel-lined plate for 5 minutes.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  3. Mix the coating in a shallow bowl: combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
  4. Make the garlic butter mixture in a small bowl: melt the butter, then stir in minced garlic, olive oil, mayonnaise, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Coat the chicken: brush each thigh generously with the garlic butter mixture, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture, covering every surface.
  6. Place the thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side up, leaving at least an inch of space between each piece.
  7. Cook for 18-20 minutes at 380°F. Do not flip. Check internal temperature at 15 minutes; aim for 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Toast panko first for extra crunch. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking. Watch the garlic to prevent burning.

Nutrition

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

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