Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This recipe delivers perfectly juicy, tender chicken thighs with a crispy, flavorful garlic parmesan crust made effortlessly in the air fryer. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious dinner option.
- Prep Time: 16 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels to remove moisture for crispiness. (5 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, 3 cloves finely minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder. Stir until it forms a thick paste. (5 minutes)
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and turn them thoroughly in the garlic parmesan mixture, making sure the skin side is well covered. (3 minutes)
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. (3 minutes)
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation. (2 minutes)
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes, flipping the chicken after 10 minutes using tongs for even cooking and crisping. (18 minutes)
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If needed, cook 2-3 minutes longer. (2 minutes)
- Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. (5 minutes)
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and crust texture. Preheat the air fryer for a better crisp. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning. Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. If the crust isn’t golden enough, briefly broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Cooking times may vary depending on air fryer model and size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, weeknight meal, juicy chicken, parmesan crust