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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs (Easy Recipe)

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful garlic-Parmesan crust, all made in the air fryer in about 30 minutes. It’s a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that requires simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (4 to 6 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a block)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano + 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Press firmly to remove all moisture.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil over the dried chicken thighs and toss gently to coat every surface with a thin layer of oil.
  5. Add the seasoning mixture to the bowl and toss again, pressing the mixture gently onto the skin side of each thigh. Ensure the underside gets some seasoning too.
  6. Place the thighs in the air fryer basket skin-side down in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket during this time.
  8. Carefully flip each thigh using tongs. The skin side should be golden brown and starting to look crispy.
  9. Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
  10. Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack or plate for 5 minutes.
  11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Dry the skin thoroughly for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep the skin crispy. For oven adaptation, bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://grubella.com/crispy-air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-easy-recipe/