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Easy Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

air fryer crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken thighs with a golden garlic Parmesan crust, ready in under 30 minutes. A quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Rub in gently.
  4. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced fresh garlic. Let it sit for a minute to infuse.
  5. Brush the garlic butter over the chicken thighs, focusing on the skin side. Reserve about a teaspoon for after cooking.
  6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the skin side of each thigh, pressing gently to stick.
  7. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side up, leaving space between each one. Do not overcrowd.
  8. Air fry at 380°F for 18-20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, carefully flip each thigh using tongs.
  9. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part (aim for 170°F for best texture).
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Brush on the reserved garlic butter while still warm.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken thighs very dry for crispiest skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed. Let garlic butter sit for a minute to infuse flavor. Rest chicken for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. For oven version, bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack, then broil 2 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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