Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs Air Fryer Recipe

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs air fryer recipe - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs with a flavorful, cheesy crust and juicy interior. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 3 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan, 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 3 cloves fresh minced garlic), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Brush each chicken thigh lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Press the parmesan mixture evenly over the skin side of the chicken. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden and crisp.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 165°F (74°C). Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. For a low-carb crust, substitute parmesan with almond flour and parmesan. Baking in a convection oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes is an alternative but less crispy method.

Nutrition

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