Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy garlic, herb, and Parmesan crust, cooked in an air fryer for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (from a block)
- 1/2 cup almond flour or Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with heavy cream or milk.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.
- Spread the grated Parmesan cheese and almond flour (or Panko) on a plate.
- Press each chicken thigh into the cheese mixture, coating both sides firmly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Place chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 8 minutes) and spraying tops with oil.
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Use block Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded to ensure proper melting and crisping. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. If using bone-in thighs, increase cooking time to 20-25 minutes at 380°F.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh (approx. 6-8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: air fryer chicken, crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, keto chicken, gluten-free chicken