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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 parmesan-coated chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer, delivering a golden crust and juicy interior perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary blend)
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin (about 3 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well (2 minutes).
  3. Drizzle olive or avocado oil over the chicken thighs, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides. Press the mixture into the skin using hands or tongs to help it stick (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 a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook skin side up for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crackly (total 22-25 minutes).
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and keep the crust intact.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use freshly grated parmesan for best crust texture. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even crispness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C). Reheat in air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, keto chicken, low carb chicken