Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy Parmesan and herb crust, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick keto-friendly meal. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 28 minutes pairs boneless skin-on chicken thighs, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup almond flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 boneless skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Brush each thigh evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil to help the crust adhere and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Press each oiled chicken thigh firmly into the Parmesan-almond mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the coated thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  4. Step 4: Cook the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 9-minute mark, until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep grated parmesan cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Thighs keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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