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These juicy, crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken thighs are bursting with garlicky, cheesy flavor and can be prepared in under 20 minutes. They are ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick and satisfying dinner. Don’t forget to check out my video guide and tips for making juicy chicken thighs in the air fryer every time!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe
You’ve got to try my air fryer garlic parmesan chicken — it’s a delightful treat that’s incredibly easy to make! The skin turns perfectly golden and crispy, while the meat remains juicy and flavorful. No complicated steps or lengthy marination required — just simple ingredients and quick cooking in the air fryer.
I use garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a touch of cayenne for that savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of heat. Whether you’re new to air frying or just looking for an easy dinner that consistently delivers, this is the best air fryer chicken thighs recipe to try!
If you love this recipe, don’t miss my other easy and delicious air fryer recipes like Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Air Fryer Chicken Legs!
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
You’ll achieve juicy chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin in under 20 minutes. Here’s why this recipe consistently turns out so well:
- Crispy, golden skin: The air fryer works its magic, providing perfectly crisp skin every time without the need for deep frying or excessive oil.
- Juicy and flavorful: The chicken thighs remain incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the garlicky, cheesy goodness with a hint of heat.
- Quick preparation: No marinating or complicated prep needed! Just mix, air fry, and dinner is ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs yield the juiciest meat and crispiest skin, but boneless thighs can also be used.
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper – Swap for smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor or omit entirely for no heat.
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley – Substitute with cilantro if preferred.
- Lemon wedges
All ingredient details and precise amounts can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl, then add the olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with all the flavors.
Place the chicken in your air fryer basket, skin side up. Set the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 12 minutes — the skin will become beautifully crispy!
Flip the chicken over and cook for another 6 minutes at 200°C (400°F), or until it’s fully cooked and juicy.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and add a squeeze of lemon on top if desired. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Secrets To Crispy, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Choose chicken thighs that are similar in size — this ensures even cooking, so everything is ready at the same time. No need to cut into pieces to check!
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry — this is crucial! If the skin is damp, it won’t crisp up nicely. A quick pat with paper towels before seasoning does the trick.
- I never skip the lemon juice — it’s not just for flavor! It helps keep the chicken juicy and balances the cheesy, garlicky richness.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Ensure you give the chicken thighs some space! If they’re too tightly packed, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. You can always cook in batches if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just remember that chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. Reduce the cooking time by 2–3 minutes and monitor closely to prevent drying out — they’re done once the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F).
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), line a baking sheet, and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway through, and they’re ready when the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F) or the juices run clear.
The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F). If you have a meat thermometer, use it — just avoid the bone. If not, slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear with no pink inside.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken! Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2–3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes to restore that crispy texture.
This recipe contains 367 calories per thigh.
What to Serve With This Recipe
For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on social media for new updates.
