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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

crispy air fryer garlic parmesan chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan mixture with a zesty lemon finish, perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for mild heat
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, combine 3 cloves minced garlic, ½ cup finely grated parmesan, zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well. (3 minutes)
  3. Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil to the mixture and stir to create a paste-like consistency. (1 minute)
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the bowl, coating each piece evenly with the garlic parmesan mixture, including under the skin if possible. (5 minutes)
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side down, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. (2 minutes)
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip the thighs skin side up and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crisp. (20-22 minutes total)
  8. Immediately after cooking, squeeze fresh juice from 1 lemon over the chicken. (1 minute)
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Use fresh garlic for best flavor and avoid cooking above 400°F to prevent burning the garlic. Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. If skin is not crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Brushing extra olive oil on the skin before cooking can enhance crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, lemon chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/crispy-air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-chicken-thighs-recipe-perfect-for-easy-dinner/