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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy 5-ingredient recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs with a savory garlic Parmesan crust, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
  • ½ cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels, especially the skin (5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
  3. Brush or toss the chicken thighs with olive oil to help the coating stick and promote browning.
  4. Press each chicken thigh, skin side down, into the Parmesan mixture to coat evenly and generously (10 minutes).
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place the coated chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 10 minutes) carefully to keep the coating intact.
  8. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If needed, cook 2-3 minutes longer to crisp the coating.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and set the crust.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispiness. Handle chicken gently when flipping to keep the Parmesan coating intact. If Parmesan is clumpy, pulse it in a food processor before mixing. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure doneness. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, 5-ingredient recipe