Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a golden, crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb coating, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3-4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2-2½ lbs.) (skin removed if desired)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked pepper
Breadcrumb Coating
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: If necessary, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then toss the chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper, evenly coating all sides to enhance flavor and help the crust adhere.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture and Coat Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Dip each chicken thigh into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it firmly into all sides for a thorough and even crust. Place the chicken thighs presentation side (skin side) down onto the air fryer basket or rack that has been lightly sprayed with oil to prevent sticking.
- First Cooking Phase: Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer for about 12 minutes at 400°F. This initial cooking sears the crust and begins cooking the chicken through while building a golden color.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: After 12 minutes, carefully flip each chicken thigh over. Continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy inside.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness and moisture retention before serving.
Notes
- Removing the skin is optional; skin on will add extra crispiness and flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Resting the chicken after air frying improves juiciness.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
