Print

Cozy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan

air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

These air fryer chicken thighs are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a savory garlic-Parmesan crust. A quick and easy comfort food dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Extra grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pat each thigh completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Sprinkle dry rub evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh, massaging into the skin. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic. Let sit for 1 minute.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Brush garlic oil mixture over the skin side of each thigh. Sprinkle finely grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning over the oiled skin, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching.
  8. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes. Flip thighs at the 10-minute mark. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy skin, add 2 more minutes at 400°F (200°C).
  9. Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for maximum crispiness. Do not skip preheating the air fryer. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast mixed with a pinch of salt. For oven baking, cook at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, quick dinner

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-garlic-parmesan/