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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

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Juicy, tender chicken thighs with a crispy garlic Parmesan crust made easily in the air fryer. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners with bold flavor and minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix) – optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs (if using), salt, and black pepper until combined.
  3. Lightly brush each chicken thigh with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help the coating stick and crisp the skin.
  4. Press the Parmesan mixture evenly onto the skin side of each chicken thigh, forming a crust layer (about 5 minutes).
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping and cook for 10 minutes.
  7. Flip the thighs skin-side up and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes outside the air fryer before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to keep skin crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C). If Parmesan browns too quickly, reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and extend cooking time. Let chicken rest before serving for juicy meat. For dairy-free option, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, quick chicken, Parmesan crust

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-perfect-recipe/