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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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This easy air fryer recipe delivers golden, crispy, garlicky chicken thighs with a nutty parmesan crust and juicy meat inside. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well. (3 minutes)
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub evenly on both sides to help the coating stick. (2 minutes)
  4. Toss each chicken thigh in the parmesan-garlic mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well but doesn’t clump. Ensure the skin side is thoroughly covered. (5 minutes)
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching to allow air circulation. (1 minute)
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking (around 10-11 minutes) using tongs to ensure even crisping.
  8. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crispy, and the meat juicy.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes out of the air fryer to lock in juices before serving.

Notes

If the parmesan coating browns too quickly, reduce the air fryer temperature by 10-15°F and extend cooking time slightly. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even crisping. For oven cooking, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, parmesan crust, garlic chicken, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-air-fryer-dinner-idea/