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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs (Easy Recipe)

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

These air fryer chicken thighs are incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, coated in a garlic-Parmesan crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
  3. Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the garlic-Parmesan mixture over the chicken and toss again, pressing the mixture into the skin.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping.
  6. Air fry for 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Carefully flip the chicken over using tongs so the skin-side is up. Cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat and the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry thoroughly for the crispiest skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

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