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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy and Perfect

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, garlicky, parmesan-coated chicken thighs cooked effortlessly in an air fryer, perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend evenly.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in to coat each piece lightly.
  4. Toss each thigh in the parmesan seasoning mix, pressing gently so the mixture sticks well to the chicken skin.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  7. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Use freshly grated parmesan for best crust texture. If parmesan mixture doesn’t stick well, lightly coat chicken again with olive oil before dredging. For a dairy-free option, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast but expect less crispiness. If no air fryer, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for about 35 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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