Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs with a crackly, golden skin coated in a savory garlic and parmesan crust, made effortlessly in the air fryer. This quick and easy recipe delivers deep-fried crunch with minimal oil, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus optional 30-60 minutes drying time)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal recommended)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, extra grated parmesan, lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. For best results, place them on a plate and refrigerate uncovered for 30-60 minutes to dry the skin further.
- Season both sides of the thighs with kosher salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine minced fresh garlic, grated parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and olive oil. Stir into a thick paste (add another teaspoon of oil if too dry).
- Spread the garlic parmesan mixture evenly over the skin side of each thigh only. Press gently to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place the thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each (do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry at 380°F for 18 minutes. Check internal temperature; aim for 175-185°F in the thickest part away from the bone. Cook in 2-minute increments if needed.
- For extra crispy skin, increase temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove thighs and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Don’t skip drying the chicken skin for maximum crispiness. Fresh garlic is crucial; pre-minced garlic burns faster. For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast and almond flour. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 285
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 24
Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, keto chicken, low carb chicken