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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy Garlic Parmesan

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs - featured image
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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs are a quick and easy weeknight dinner with a crunchy garlic Parmesan coating. Perfect for busy families, this budget-friendly recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for coating)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for serving, optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan coating: 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it all over each piece.
  6. Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the chicken, pressing it gently into the skin.
  7. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side up, in a single layer with space between each piece.
  8. Cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes. After 12 minutes, flip each thigh carefully and cook for another 6-8 minutes.
  9. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. For better texture, cook to 185°F.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry for the crispiest skin. Don’t skip the oil—it helps the coating stick and promotes browning. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep juices inside. For best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.

Nutrition

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

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