Air Fryer Parmesan Garlic Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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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.

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.

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