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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Perfect Air Fryer Recipe for Easy Dinner

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers golden, crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer, offering a quick, easy, and flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700900 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up (5 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well (3 minutes).
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and toss gently to coat lightly but not dripping.
  4. Toss the oiled chicken thighs in the Parmesan and seasoning mixture, coating every side (5 minutes).
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket without overcrowding and cook for 10 minutes.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up and cook for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Check halfway to avoid burning.
  8. Remove the thighs and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Flip halfway through cooking. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving. For extra crispiness, add 2-3 more minutes at 400°F but watch closely to avoid burning parmesan. Use a silicone-tip tong to avoid scratching the air fryer basket. If no air fryer is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, quick chicken recipe, parmesan crust chicken