Name: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor—this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken has become one of my go-to meals when I want something satisfying without much fuss. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and a blend of spices, this dish delivers serious flavor and crunch, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how chicken thighs bring more flavor than breasts, and they’re nearly impossible to mess up. They stay juicy, even if I cook them a little longer, and they’re usually easier on the budget, too. I also love that everything cooks in the air fryer—less mess, faster cook time, and the results are seriously impressive. Plus, the combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning is always a win in my book.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
olive oil
garlic powder
Italian seasoning
baking powder
pepper
salt
grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I always start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F. If the air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, I just run it for 4–5 minutes before cooking.
Then I mix the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
I pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, coat them in olive oil, and set them on a plate or in a bowl.
Next, I rub the seasoning mix evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
Into the air fryer they go—10 minutes on one side.
After flipping them, I cook for another 6–10 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
Then I sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the top, cook for another 2 minutes, flip, and repeat with the rest of the cheese.
I always check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should be at least 165°F. But honestly, I like them even more when they hit 185°F to 195°F for extra juiciness.
Once done, I let the thighs rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This step helps lock in all the delicious juices.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 24 minutes
Total time: 29 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I switch it up by using boneless, skinless chicken thighs—just reduce the cooking time slightly. I’ve also added a little smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a deeper, smoky flavor. If I want a bit of heat, I’ll throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be a great sub for Italian seasoning if I have them on hand.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 4–8 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. I avoid the microwave if I can—it tends to make the skin soggy.

FAQs

What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?

I use grated Parmesan cheese because it sticks better to the chicken and gives a nice crust. Shredded tends to fall off during cooking.

Can I use boneless skinless thighs?

Yes, I can use boneless skinless thighs—just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

Do I have to preheat the air fryer?

I always preheat. It helps get the skin extra crispy and cuts down on uneven cooking.

Why use baking powder in this recipe?

Baking powder helps crisp up the skin. It’s one of my favorite little tricks when I want that golden, crunchy finish.

Can I make a large batch?

Absolutely. I just cook them in batches so the air fryer basket doesn’t get overcrowded. Crowding the chicken can cause it to steam instead of crisp.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—easy, quick, flavorful, and satisfying. I love how simple it is to pull together and how well it turns out every time. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, these crispy thighs are always a hit.