This recipe for how to make the most delicious garlic Parmesan chicken thighs in the air fryer is so easy, it's sure to be a regular on your weekly meal plan! Bone-in thighs with crispy chicken skin and bold flavors are perfect for a refined but rustic dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.
You will also love my other chicken thighs recipes like: air fryer jerk chicken thighs and chipotle chicken thighs air fryer.
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If you need a protein to impress, but don't want to break the bank, bone-in and skin-on meaty chicken thighs are a great option. Although they are less expensive than other cuts of meat, the larger size and that crispy delicious skin makes juicy chicken thighs seem supremely decadent...Case in point, Garlic Parmesan chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer is a fabulous dish that's both elegant and economical!
Parmesan and garlic is a classic combination that we can't get enough of. The salty and nutty taste of Parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with garlic's earthy, umami-rich, and slightly sweet flavors. Together they are super fragrant, but not overpowering.
For all this flavor, recipe prep is practically effortless. We coat the thighs in a yummy blend of the cheese, garlic, and a few staple spices. Then simply place the seasoned chicken directly in the air fryer without marinating!
In 20 minutes or less the thighs are fork-tender on the inside with the crispiest chicken skin. Serve them with your favorite side dishes for nearly any occasion, from a sophisticated dinner party to quick and rustic comfort food meal on a busy weeknight.
Recipe ingredients
- 4 Chicken Thighs: Dark meat chicken thighs are slightly fatty and very succulent. Use bone-in and skin-on thighs for the best cook and delicious crispy chicken skin.
- Salt and Pepper: Both are standard spices in savory dishes. Here we use just a bit of each to taste to enhance the flavors of the garlic and Parmesan.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a buttery rich consistency that's perfect to keep the seasoning on the thighs. It also makes the air fried chicken skin ultra crisp!
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: This classic spice combo has a deeply savory, earthy and umami taste. I like to use both garlic powder and fresh minced garlic (listed below) to get the most deliciously intense garlic taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use grated Parm, not shredded... We want the cheese to crisp and brown, whereas shredded Parmesan has more moisture and will melt on the chicken.
- Garlic: Freshly pressed and minced garlic has the most irresistibly savory aroma and taste. You can use jarred minced garlic.
- Parsley: I like to add a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley as a garnish. But this is optional.
How to make garlic Parmesan chicken thigh in air fryer
Let's start by getting your chicken thighs ready for a delicious meal. First, grab some paper towels and gently press them against each chicken thigh. You're doing this to soak up any extra moisture on the skin. Why? Because dry skin on chicken is the secret to making it super crispy once it's cooked.
Now, let's make the chicken extra tasty. Take a small bowl and throw in a good amount of salt, a few shakes of black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, and just as much onion powder.
Then, add some finely grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist, and don't forget a spoonful of minced garlic for that punch of flavor. Mix all these ingredients together until they're well combined.
Next, it's time to get those chicken thighs coated. Take the spice mix you just made and rub it all over each thigh. Make sure every inch is covered so every bite is flavorful.
After they're all spiced up, take some olive oil and drizzle it over the chicken. This isn't just to make them taste better; the oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and plays a big role in getting that skin perfectly crispy.
Now, heat up your air fryer to 380°F. This is the sweet spot temperature to cook your chicken just right. Once it's heated, place your chicken thighs inside the basket. Arrange them so they're not too crowded; this helps the hot air circulate around each piece, cooking them evenly and getting that skin to crisp up nicely.
Set the timer for 17-20 minutes. This should be just enough time to cook the chicken through and get a nice golden-brown crust on the outside. While it's cooking, you can prepare whatever you'd like to serve with the chicken, or just take a moment to relax.
When the timer dings, open the air fryer and take a peek. You should see beautifully cooked chicken with crispy, golden skin. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer—it will be hot!
For a final touch, chop up some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the chicken. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the rich, savory taste of the chicken beautifully.
Serve the chicken thighs hot, right off the air fryer. They're perfect on their own or with a side of your choice—maybe some roasted vegetables or a light salad. Enjoy the fruits of your effort: juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that's just irresistible.
Leftovers and reheating
Store cooked air fryer garlic Parmesan chicken thighs in in the air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes or in the microwave for 1 minute.
Side dishes
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables (like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes) with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized. This can often be done while you're cooking the chicken, making efficient use of your time and oven space.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes until soft, then mash them with butter, milk, and roasted garlic for a creamy and flavorful side. Garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting and hearty complement to the savory flavors of chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Boil, grill, or air fry corn on the cob until tender, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt. It's a classic and easy side that's always a hit.
Frequently asked questions
Both are effective methods. But I'm obviously a big fan of air fryers! Air frying bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs is faster than baking in the oven. The air fryer circulates hot air throughout the machine, so you get a more even cook all around the chicken. I also love that there is a basket in the air fryer, which allows all of the extra fat to drain away from the chicken.
It is essential that the chicken skin be patted thoroughly dry before seasoning... Any extra moisture will cause the skin to be soggy.
Check the doneness of the chicken on the low end of the suggested cook time. If the internal temperature has not yet reached 160 degrees, continue to cook the thighs and continue checking the temp every minute or so. Pull them out of the fryer as soon as they hit that perfect temperature.
No, it is not essential to flip chicken. Either way the thighs will cook thoroughly. However, I personally do like flipping the chicken halfway through cooking. Start with the chicken skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Then when you flip them they are skin-side up, so the skin will get nice and crispy in the second half of the cook time.
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Hope you will like this garlic Parmesan chicken thighs in air fryer recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs. Then, drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help the seasoning stick and add crispness.
- Heat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Place the seasoned and coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket. Air fryer for 17-20 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish, if desired, and serve hot.
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