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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer recipe - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.52 lbs / 700900 g)
  • 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Optional: lemon zest from ½ lemon
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (a handful)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, grated Parmesan, paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Add olive oil and stir until a crumbly paste forms. (3 minutes)
  3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning mixture. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optionally, add 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely. (20-22 minutes)
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness. Pat chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. For reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. If no air fryer is available, bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free, low-carb