Crispy and flavorful, this easy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe is a fast way to get dinner on the table. A simple mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan creates a crunchy coating that locks in juicy chicken. Prepped in under 10 minutes and cooked in about 20, it pairs well with simple sides for a weeknight win.
This recipe was originally published November 2021 and updated with new images and revised text in October 2023.
A perfect weeknight dinner, these Parmesan-crusted air fryer chicken thighs are simple to prepare and deliver crisp breading with juicy meat.
The air fryer cooks chicken quickly while keeping it moist and crisp. Serve these thighs with roasted green beans, mashed potatoes or simple biscuits for a satisfying meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy prep. Toss thighs with oil, garlic and seasoning, press on the breadcrumb-Parmesan coating, then air fry. Minimal hands-on time and big flavor.
- Crispy outside, juicy inside. The Parmesan-breadcrumb crust crisps beautifully while the meat stays tender. Keeping the skin on helps retain moisture, but you can remove it if you prefer.
- Versatile with sides. These thighs pair well with mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for an easy family dinner.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and juiciness. Boneless thighs will cook faster—adjust time accordingly.
- Parmesan: Finely grated Parmesan sticks better to the breadcrumbs and gives an even crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko both work. Substitute gluten-free crumbs if needed. If using Italian-seasoned crumbs, reduce or omit the added Italian seasoning.
- Olive oil: Extra-virgin is preferred, or use avocado or another neutral oil.
- Italian seasoning: If you don’t have a blend, combine dried oregano, basil, thyme, parsley and a pinch of rosemary.
- Garlic: Freshly minced is best; you can substitute about 1 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.
Step-by-step Instructions
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper until evenly coated. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if your model requires preheating.
Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning in a shallow bowl. Press each chicken thigh into the mixture, coating all sides so the crumbs adhere well.
Place each thigh presentation side (skin side) down in a lightly oiled air fryer basket or on a rack. A light spray or brush of oil helps the crust brown evenly.
Air fry at 400°F for about 12 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 6–8 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F. Times vary with chicken size and air fryer model, so check temperatures and remove pieces as they reach 165°F.
Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Match thigh sizes. Try to use thighs of similar size for even cooking. Remove smaller pieces when they reach 165°F and continue cooking larger pieces if needed.
- Know your air fryer. Models vary, so watch the chicken closely the first time you make this recipe to learn how yours performs.
- Storage and reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–5 minutes for the best crispness.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a sheet for an hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Wrap individual thighs in foil if you like. Keep frozen up to 3 months; thaw before reheating for best results.
Best air fryer temperature for chicken thighs
400°F is ideal for these Parmesan-crusted thighs. It crisps the coating without drying the meat. Air fryers circulate heat efficiently, so higher temperatures aren’t necessary.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes. Air fryer chicken breasts are an easy swap. Preheat to 400°F and cook about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F; remove when close to 160°F and let rest to reach 165°F.
Can I make these in the oven?
You can bake them if you don’t have an air fryer, though the crust may be less crisp and cooking will take longer. For best results, place thighs on a rack over a sheet pan, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake 40–45 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
What to serve with these chicken thighs
Classic pairings include mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. A buttery pasta or garlic-Parmesan potatoes are also excellent choices.
Other air fryer ideas
- Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Buffalo Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Air Fried Broccoli
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Ultimate Air Fryer Hamburgers
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Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 3-4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2–2½ lbs.), skin on or removed as desired
- 2 T olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ¾ c breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ c grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
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If necessary, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Pat chicken dry and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
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Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan and Italian seasoning in a shallow bowl. Press each thigh into the mixture to coat completely, then place presentation side down in a lightly oiled air fryer basket or on a rack.
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Cook for about 12 minutes, flip, then cook another 6–8 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Remove and rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Try to use thighs of similar size. Varying sizes cook unevenly; remove smaller pieces when done and continue cooking larger ones.
- All air fryers differ. Watch your chicken the first time so you can adjust time for your model.
- Storage and reheating: Refrigerate up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–5 minutes for best results.
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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