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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring boneless, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a savory garlic parmesan mixture and cooked in an air fryer for a shatteringly crisp crust and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or olive oil (for binding)
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Remove chicken thighs from the fridge and let sit for 10 minutes to take the chill off. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and cornstarch until well blended.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Toss with mayonnaise or olive oil first, then add the dry seasoning mix. Toss until every piece is evenly coated, pressing the seasoning into the skin.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place chicken thighs in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with oil.
  6. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through (around the 8-minute mark). Spray the other side with oil as well.
  7. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove chicken from the air fryer and let rest on a plate for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is patted completely dry to achieve crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. If using chicken breasts, reduce cook time by 3-5 minutes. Parmesan burns easily, so monitor closely or lower temperature to 380°F if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, keto friendly, gluten-free option