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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in garlic and parmesan, delivering a flavorful and crunchy crust every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (organic or free-range preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (90 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness and place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese with a bit more garlic powder if desired. Press the chicken thighs into the parmesan mixture, coating all sides generously.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip using tongs and cook for another 10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

If the parmesan starts to burn, reduce the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain even airflow and crispiness. Pat chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning. Press parmesan coating firmly onto chicken to help it stick. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken, parmesan crust