Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer | Easy 25-Min Recipe

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs in air fryer - featured image
Print Recipe

These air fryer chicken thighs have a shatteringly crisp Parmesan crust with toasted garlic bits, ready in just 25 minutes. A simple, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packed
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit uncovered on a plate for 5 minutes to air-dry.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and olive oil. Stir until it forms a thick, crumbly paste (like wet sand).
  4. Press the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the skin side of each thigh, about ¼ inch thick. Leave the underside bare.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  6. Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up, with space between each piece.
  7. Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes without opening the basket.
  8. Flip the chicken with tongs so the skin side is facing down. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  9. Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Pat the chicken completely dry for maximum crispiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block, not pre-shredded. Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the crust intact.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-in-air-fryer-easy-25-min-recipe/