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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Garlic Parmesan Delight

crispy air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin coated in a savory garlic Parmesan crust, cooked quickly and easily in an air fryer for a delicious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the 4 chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 minced garlic cloves, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well blended.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, turning to coat each piece evenly with the garlic Parmesan mixture (about 3 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until the skin starts to crisp.
  7. Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for another 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor and crust. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick chicken, healthy chicken