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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic parmesan are ready in under 30 minutes, featuring shatteringly crisp skin and juicy meat with a garlicky, cheesy crust. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become a regular rotation favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Take chicken thighs out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. Pat very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add minced fresh garlic and let sit in warm butter for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Season the chicken: Brush chicken thighs all over with about half of the garlic butter mixture, including under the skin by gently lifting it.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken: Place thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Work in batches if needed.
  6. First cook: Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes until skin starts turning golden and crispy.
  7. Flip and brush: Using tongs, flip chicken skin-side up. Brush with remaining garlic butter mixture.
  8. Add the parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan evenly over the skin-side of each thigh.
  9. Second cook: Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8-10 minutes until parmesan is golden and skin is extra crispy.
  10. Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Cook in 2-minute increments if needed.
  11. Rest and garnish: Let chicken rest in the turned-off air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Let chicken rest before serving to keep skin crispy. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and skip parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. If using boneless skinless thighs, reduce cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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