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Quick Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Best 15-Minute Dinner

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken - featured image

This quick air fryer garlic Parmesan chicken is the weeknight hero nobody knew they needed. From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes, it delivers shatteringly crispy, juicy chicken with a savory cheese crust using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (9g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) paprika
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) dried oregano (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to break up any clumps.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and use your hands to coat evenly. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss gently until each thigh is well coated, pressing the seasoning into the chicken.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving about half an inch of space between each piece. Do not overcrowd.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
  7. Flip each chicken thigh using tongs and cook for another 5-8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is deep golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let the chicken rest in the air fryer basket (turned off) for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for maximum crispiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. For oven-baked version, cook on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken, chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe