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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, garlicky, cheesy chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer, delivering juicy meat and a flavorful crust in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Lightly brush or spray each chicken thigh with olive oil or cooking spray, then toss in the Parmesan mixture, coating the skin side well. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden brown and crispy. (18-20 minutes total)
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Preheat air fryer to get instant sizzle. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Oven method: roast at 425°F on wire rack for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb chicken, keto chicken