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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Garlic Parmesan: Easy 20-Min Recipe

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These crispy air fryer chicken thighs with garlic Parmesan are quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. With a golden, craggy crust and juicy interior, they come together in under 20 minutes using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate for 5 minutes.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each thigh.
  5. In another small bowl, mix grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and melted butter into a thick paste.
  6. Spread the garlic Parmesan mixture evenly over the top (skin side) of each chicken thigh.
  7. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
  8. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Do not open the basket.
  9. Flip the chicken with tongs and cook for another 5-8 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry thoroughly for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Let chicken come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for even results. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, keto chicken, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-with-garlic-parmesan-easy-20-min-recipe/