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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

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Juicy bone-in chicken thighs with a crunchy Parmesan crust and sweet roasted garlic, ready in under 30 minutes using an air fryer. This easy recipe delivers crispy skin without deep frying or stovetop babysitting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 4 to 5 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Let them sit uncovered on a plate for 5 minutes to air-dry slightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir with a fork to break up any clumps.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub it into the skin with your hands. Press each thigh into the Parmesan mixture, skin-side down first, ensuring a generous coating.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket, leaving at least ½ inch between each piece. Tuck the smashed garlic cloves in between the thighs.
  6. Cook for 18 minutes without opening the basket.
  7. Check for doneness: the skin should be golden brown and crispy. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh (avoiding the bone); it should read 165°F (74°C). If needed, cook in 2-minute increments.
  8. Let the chicken rest in the basket for 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, scatter the roasted garlic cloves over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the chicken very dry for maximum crispiness. Keep garlic cloves whole to prevent burning. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Let chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce temperature to 370°F. For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to 12-14 minutes. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

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://lindabake.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-easy-air-fryer-recipe/