Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe Easy Perfect Dinner

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer recipe - featured image

This recipe delivers juicy, crispy chicken thighs with a golden garlic-parmesan crust using an air fryer for a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700 to 900 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with kitchen paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible (3-5 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic if using.
  3. Add olive oil to the seasoning mixture and stir to combine.
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the bowl, coating each piece evenly with the parmesan mixture. Press the mixture gently onto the skin.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
  8. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. Preheat the air fryer before cooking. Flip carefully to avoid losing the parmesan crust. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, low-carb chicken, gluten-free chicken