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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thigh Recipe

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A quick and easy air fryer recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a savory garlic and Parmesan crust. Perfect for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture from the skin (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Lightly drizzle about 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub evenly over the skin and under it if possible.
  4. Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture all over the chicken, pressing gently so it sticks well to every piece.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run empty for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket, making sure pieces don’t touch to allow hot air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through (around 10 minutes) to ensure even browning. The skin should be golden and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
  9. Serve hot with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best texture and flavor. Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness. If cheese browns too fast, reduce temperature to 375°F and add a few extra minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally. For dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and increase olive oil slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thigh-recipe-easy-dinner-idea/