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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

crispy garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, golden-crisp chicken thighs coated in a garlicky Parmesan crust, cooked quickly in the air fryer alongside perfectly roasted vegetables for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (or mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups (600g) mixed vegetables for roasting (baby carrots, zucchini, red bell peppers, red onions), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken thighs in this mixture until evenly coated.
  3. Spread grated Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Press each chicken thigh into the cheese, coating both sides well.
  4. In another bowl, toss chopped vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Spread evenly in the air fryer basket or on a tray if cooking separately.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket with space between pieces. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. If air fryer basket fits, add vegetables around chicken during last 10 minutes of cooking. Otherwise, roast vegetables separately at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
  7. Transfer chicken and vegetables to a plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over veggies if desired. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket for even cooking. Use fresh Parmesan for best texture. Flip chicken halfway through cooking. Preheat air fryer for optimal crispiness. Watch Parmesan coating near end to prevent burning. Vegetables can be roasted separately if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, roasted vegetables, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, low-carb