Print

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 30-minute recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful garlic Parmesan crust, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest if using. Stir until it forms a thick paste. (5 minutes)
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the garlic Parmesan mixture. Use your hands if needed. (3 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation. (2 minutes)
  6. Air fry for 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the skin starts turning golden and crisp. (12 minutes)
  7. Flip the thighs skin-side up using tongs and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is crispy. (8-10 minutes)
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes outside the air fryer before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best crispiness. Press Parmesan mixture firmly onto skin to prevent falling off. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. If garlic browns too fast, lower temperature to 375°F and add cooking time. Leftovers reheat best in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/crispy-air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/