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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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These air fryer chicken thighs are incredibly crispy, garlicky, and coated in a golden Parmesan crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
  2. Season the chicken directly with salt and pepper on both sides. Let sit while preparing the garlic mixture.
  3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until it forms a thick paste.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top (skin side) of each chicken thigh. Reserve any leftover mixture for basting.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry at 380°F for 18-22 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, carefully flip each thigh using tongs. If there’s leftover garlic mixture, brush it onto the skin side now.
  8. Flip the chicken back to skin-side up and continue cooking for another 8-12 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (preferably 175-180°F for tender texture).
  9. Let the chicken rest in the air fryer basket (turned off) for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the crust to set.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the crispiest skin, pat the chicken very dry and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before seasoning. Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for the best crust. If the garlic starts to burn, lower the temperature by 10-15 degrees. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking is essential to keep the crust intact and the meat juicy.

Nutrition

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

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