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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs: Best Easy Recipe

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These crispy air fryer garlic Parmesan chicken thighs are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With a shatter-crisp skin and juicy meat, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners and sure to impress even the biggest skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for dry brining)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Dry brine the chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt (about ½ teaspoon per thigh). Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Make the seasoning paste: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix until it forms a thick paste.
  4. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from the fridge. Rub the seasoning paste all over each thigh, getting under the skin if possible.
  5. Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the skin side of each thigh and press gently to adhere.
  6. Arrange in the air fryer: Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Work in batches if needed.
  7. Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes without opening the basket.
  8. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 175-185°F in the thickest part.
  9. Rest the chicken on a clean wire rack for 5 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, dry brine the chicken overnight. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. If your air fryer runs hot, check the temperature at the 12-minute mark. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner

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