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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe delivering golden, crispy skin with juicy, flavorful chicken thighs coated in garlic and parmesan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680g)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated parmesan, olive oil, dried Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and rub the mixture all over, especially under the skin.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispiness. If skin isn’t crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely. Cook in batches if air fryer basket is small to avoid steaming. For dairy-free, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast. Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable.

Nutrition

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