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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan

crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic parmesan - featured image

These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic Parmesan are quick, easy, and deliver incredible flavor and texture with minimal effort. The air fryer creates a shatter-crisp skin with juicy, fall-apart meat underneath, all coated in a nutty, savory garlic Parmesan crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it evenly over all sides. Press each thigh into the Parmesan mixture, coating all sides generously.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes. Do not flip halfway through.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If not, cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. Let the chicken thighs rest in the air fryer basket (turned off) for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry for crispy skin. Do not flip the chicken during cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. If the coating browns too quickly, reduce temperature to 375°F and add a few extra minutes. For meal prep, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

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