Print

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, garlicky Parmesan-coated chicken thighs with a fresh lemon zest twist, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until it forms a thick paste. (Prep time: 3 minutes)
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the garlic-Parmesan mixture. Use your hands for best coverage. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time is about 25 minutes.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. If Parmesan browns too quickly, reduce temperature by 10-15°F. Let chicken rest after cooking for juicier meat. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives and increase garlic. For gluten-free, ensure Italian seasoning is gluten-free or substitute with almond flour mixed with Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, lemon zest chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/crispy-garlic-parmesan-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-easy-5-step-recipe-with-lemon-zest/