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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

These crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs deliver a perfect crunchy crust with juicy meat inside, making for an easy, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin (3-4 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest if using. Mix well.
  3. Toss the chicken thighs in the garlic parmesan mixture, ensuring the skin is evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to marinate if time allows.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. If the crust is not crispy enough, cook for another 2-3 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flip the chicken gently with tongs to keep the parmesan crust intact. For best results, use freshly grated parmesan and fresh minced garlic. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Baking alternative: bake on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes if no air fryer is available.

Nutrition

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