Air Fryer Parmesan Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs coated in a savory Parmesan garlic crust, air fried to a golden finish with a crispy exterior and tender interior. This american-inspired keto (low carb, keto) ready in about 32 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder 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: 22 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian herbs. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub evenly.
  3. Step 3: Press the Parmesan mixture onto each chicken thigh, coating them evenly. Place the thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket.
  4. Step 4: Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip the thighs, then cook for another 10 minutes until the skin is golden and a thermometer reads 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 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 Garlic 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Parmesan Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic Chicken Thighs low carb?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes