Print

Quick Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan

air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

Golden, crispy air fryer chicken thighs with a garlic Parmesan crust that’s shatteringly crisp on the outside and tender inside. Ready in just 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this is the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works great)
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a block)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels on both sides. Let sit on a paper towel-lined plate for 5 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
  2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned. Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place seasoned thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, leaving at least ½ inch between each piece. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket to check too early.
  7. Using tongs, carefully flip each thigh. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the skin side. Sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over the tops.
  8. Air fry for another 8-10 minutes at 400°F until internal temperature reaches 175-180°F (79-82°C) at the thickest part, not touching bone. Skin should be deep golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let chicken rest in the basket for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add extra Parmesan if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for crispiest skin. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Add Parmesan during last 5-8 minutes to prevent burning. For regular oven, bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes. Leftovers keep 4 days in fridge; reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, quick chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, air fryer recipe, chicken thighs recipe

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