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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in 25 Minutes

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken thighs with a garlic parmesan crust, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the Seasoning Mix (2 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together.
  3. Coat the Chicken (5 minutes): Place the dried chicken thighs in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil. Rub the oil all over the chicken, including under the skin. Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the chicken and toss to coat every bit of the skin. Press the mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer (3 minutes): Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange in the Basket (2 minutes): Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side down, in a single layer without touching.
  6. Air Fry (15 minutes): Cook the chicken at 380°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  7. Flip and Finish (5-8 minutes): Carefully flip the chicken thighs skin-side up. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Rest (5 minutes): Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry thoroughly for the crispiest skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. For best results when reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Nutrition

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