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Kid-Approved Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are coated in a garlic Parmesan breading and cooked to golden perfection in under 25 minutes. A happy accident turned weeknight staple that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • Olive oil spray
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season both sides of the thighs lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  4. Dip each chicken thigh into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place on a clean plate.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the coated thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
  7. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through (at 6 minutes) and spraying the other side with oil.
  8. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C) but most tender at 175-180°F (80-82°C). Cook 2-3 more minutes if needed.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for crispiest results. Use finely grated Parmesan (not shredded) for best coating. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken. Let breaded chicken rest 5 minutes before cooking to help coating adhere.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/kid-approved-crispy-air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs/