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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, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan crust, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until a paste-like texture forms. (3 minutes)
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and rub the garlic parmesan mixture all over each thigh, including under the skin where possible. (5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. (5 minutes)
  5. Place the coated thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook skin-side up for another 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (20 minutes)
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before serving for best juiciness. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. If no air fryer is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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