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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, and cheesy chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer, perfect for a flavorful and fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it in. Toss each thigh in the Parmesan seasoning mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the coated chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  6. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes outside the fryer to lock in juices and set the crust.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is key for crispiness. Press the Parmesan mixture onto the skin to help it stick. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy spots. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. For extra crispiness, air fry for 2-3 minutes more if needed. Can substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

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