Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
A quick and easy recipe for crispy, golden, garlicky chicken thighs with a parmesan crust, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 5–6 ounces / 140-170g each)
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: lemon zest
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (5 minutes)
- In a shallow bowl, combine parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. (3 minutes)
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs and rub to coat all sides. Press each thigh into the parmesan mixture, especially on the skin side, to coat well. (7 minutes)
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. (2 minutes)
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping gently halfway through (around 10 minutes). The chicken is done when the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (20 minutes)
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices. (5 minutes)
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispiness. Press the parmesan coating firmly onto the skin to prevent it from falling off. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping. Flip gently to preserve the crust. Rest the chicken before serving to keep it juicy. Clean the air fryer basket regularly to maintain crispness. For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast but expect less crispiness. Boneless thighs can be used with reduced cooking time (about 15 minutes).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, low carb, gluten free