Description

These air fryer chicken thighs feature a shatteringly crisp garlic parmesan crust and juicy, tender meat. They are easy to make, require minimal oil, and are perfect for weeknight dinners or hosting guests.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup finely grated fresh parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning to create the dry rub.
In another small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, and grated parmesan cheese to form a thick paste.
Dip each chicken thigh into the spice rub, coating both sides. Then dip into the garlic-parmesan-butter mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Finally, coat the top side with panko breadcrumbs, pressing them into the butter mixture.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer with space between them, breadcrumb-side up.
Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Remove chicken from the air fryer and let rest on a plate for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for a crispy crust. Use fresh parmesan rather than pre-grated to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent melting. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. For best results, serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh per
Calories: 450
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 450
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 1
Protein: 35

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