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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, juicy chicken thighs coated in a garlicky parmesan crust, cooked quickly and easily in an air fryer for a flavorful, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture (approx. 3 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper; mix until paste-like (approx. 5 minutes).
  3. Rub the garlic parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, including under the skin without tearing it (approx. 5 minutes).
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping; cook for 12 minutes.
  6. Flip chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden brown and crispy (total cook time about 22-24 minutes).
  7. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; if skin is not crispy enough, air fry for 2-3 more minutes.
  8. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture. Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices. If using a convection oven, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, low carb, keto chicken