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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Easy Garlic Parmesan Panko Recipe

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy chicken thighs with a garlic parmesan panko crust using an air fryer for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 g)
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Olive oil spray (extra virgin preferred)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Set up dredging stations: place ½ cup all-purpose flour in one bowl, beat 2 large eggs in a second bowl, and mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a third bowl. (5 minutes)
  3. Coat the chicken one piece at a time by dredging in flour, shaking off excess, dipping into beaten eggs, then pressing into the panko mixture to ensure an even coating. (10 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Place coated chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the crust with olive oil spray. (2 minutes)
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip each piece skin-side up, spray again with olive oil spray, and cook for another 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (22-24 minutes total)
  7. Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving to keep the crust crisp and juices locked in. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Press panko mixture firmly onto chicken to prevent flaking. Lightly spray olive oil to help crust brown. Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and almond flour. For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free milk or flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, panko crust, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-garlic-parmesan-panko-recipe/