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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Easy Garlic Parmesan Recipe

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A quick and forgiving weeknight dinner featuring skin-on chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer with a savory garlic and parmesan crust. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality crispiness with minimal effort and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • Avocado or olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss with hands until evenly coated, ensuring the skin side is well-seasoned.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Do not overcrowd.
  5. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs so the meat side is facing down. Cook for another 5 minutes. Check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove basket and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the skin side of each thigh.
  8. Sprinkle minced fresh garlic over the cheese and lightly mist tops with cooking spray.
  9. Return to air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes, watching closely until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  10. Sprinkle with parsley flakes and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure chicken skin is completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Add cheese and fresh garlic only in the last few minutes to prevent burning. If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cooking time slightly. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, weeknight dinner, keto friendly, gluten free, quick meals

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