Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Golden, crunchy chicken thighs coated in grated parmesan and herbs, cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer for a satisfying keto-friendly meal. This American-inspired air-fryer recipe (keto, high protein), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs bone-in, skin-on 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 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, pressing spices into the skin.
- Step 2: Mix 2 tbsp grated parmesan with 1/2 tsp dried thyme in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken thighs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 3: Arrange chicken skin-side up in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring no pieces overlap. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 15 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through.
- Step 4: Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part—it should read 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 3 minutes before serving to lock in juices.









