Less than 20 minutes to make these garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs! Pair this with a vegetable side for a delicious healthy meal!
Using the air fryer to whip up dinner makes life much easier. The air fryer cooks food rapidly and makes the most delicious moist chicken. These Air Fryer Chicken Thighs can be seasoned to your desire, but this parmesan garlic butter marinade is exceptionally tasty! Packing tons of flavor while keeping the chicken juicy, these chicken thighs are the perfect dinner.
Air frying is my favorite way to cook meals lately, because it is so quick and easy, and has minimal cleanup! If you haven't tried these Air Fryer Chicken wings, you need to NOW! These chicken thighs are no exception! Serve them alongside easy Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus, Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli, or delicious Salty Herbed Smashed Red Potatoes!
Not only are these chicken thighs delicious, but they are very healthy. Per serving they have 210 calories, 15 grams of fat, 0 carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein. These make a great low carb, keto, south beach diet, or Mediterranean diet meals!
Ingredients needed for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs:
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
- chicken thighs (skinless bone-in or with skin and bones)
- unsalted butter
- grated Parmesan cheese
- garlic cloves - peeled and finely chopped/minced
- kosher salt
- ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (can use basil, oregano, and thyme in place of Italian seasoning)
- ground black pepper
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
- Melt the butter in the microwave or stove top and pour it into a large bowl. Add grated parmesan, garlic, seasonings, pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the chicken thighs to the large bowl, then mix everything thoroughly.
- Optional: If you have time, cover the bowl with a lid (or cling film) and refrigerate for several hours.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil spray. Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overlap the chicken for even cooking).
- Cook at 390 degrees F for 13 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 6-7 minutes on the other side.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165 degrees F for safe consumption. Use a digital thermometer like this one for easy temp taking.
- Remove the chicken and serve immediately with desired side dishes or dipping sauces.
Recipe variations:
- Plain chicken thighs: If you are looking for a more bland chicken thigh, season with salt, pepper, paprika and then follow the same cooking instructions.
- Spicy chicken thighs: Instead of garlic and italian seasoning, add paprika, cayenne powder, and cumin to the melted butter and coat with seasoning.
- Buffalo chicken thighs: Season the raw chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat with buffalo sauce (homemade or store bought).
- Cilantro Lime chicken thighs: Using the melted butter, add freshly chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, garlic, and ¼ cup lime juice. Marinade the chicken in the mixture then cook following above directions.
- Lemon pepper seasoning similar to these Air Fryer lemon Pepper Chicken Wings!
How to serve these chicken thighs:
- Serve these delicious chicken thighs with tasty Salty Herbed Smashed Red Potatoes or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes!
- A Simple Wedge Salad with Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing pairs perfectly with this main dish.
- Use the air fryer to whip up any of these sides: Air Fryer Roasted Carrots, Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes, Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus, or Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli.
What type of Air Fryer should I use for this recipe?
There are many Air Fryers to choose from, but I love my PowerXL Vortex Air fryer! Here are some other great options:
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven, 6 Quart: 6-in-1, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Non-stick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Stainless Steel
- COSORI Air Fryer 5.8QT - Large Hot Electric Oven Oilless Cooker with 8 Quick Setting Recommendation
Less than 20 minutes to make these garlic parmesan air fryer chicken thighs! Pair this with a vegetable side for a delicious healthy meal!
- 8 chicken thighs skinless bone-in or with skin and bones
- 3 TBS unsalted butter melted
- 3 TBS grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and finely chopped/minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning can use basil, oregano, and thyme in place of Italian seasoning
- ⅓ teaspoon ground black pepper
-
Add the melted butter to a large bowl. Add grated parmesan, garlic, seasonings, pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
-
Add the chicken thighs to the large bowl, coat completely and thoroughly.
-
Optional: If you have time, cover the bowl with a lid (or cling film) and refrigerate for several hours.
-
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil spray. Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overlap the chicken for even cooking). Cook at 390 degrees F for 13 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 6-7 minutes on the other side. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
-
Remove and serve immediately.
Nutritional information per serving: 210 calories, 15 grams fat, 0 gram carbohydrates, 18 grams protein. (calculated using skinless chicken thighs)
Beth says
These look delicious. I love the variations you included as well. I'm going to serve this with some rice and veggies.
jess says
I love making anything in my air fryer and this made making chicken in then air fryer even easier than it should be! thank you so much for sharing this recipe
Allyson says
The air fryer makes cooking SO easy! I love it!
Alicia says
I made this for dinner tonight and it turned out perfectly! My thighs were a little smaller so they were done in 15 mins which was perfect. The seasoning and everything was great.
Jamie N. says
The best way to cook chicken thighs! They turned out so juicy!
Allyson says
SO happy you loved it!
Liesl says
Hello!
I am very interested in trying the spicy version of your recipe but didn't see any measurements listed for the cayenne, cumin, and paprika. Would you mind adding them? Thanks!
Allyson says
I would use 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne (or more to your tastes).
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
Such a fabulous meal! I would love to make this!
Juliane says
This is SO good! I am in love with this!
Natasha says
I enjoy experimenting with different recipes using my air fryer and I'm glad I chose this recipe to try! I can really taste the garlic parmesan it turned out so good, very delicious. I highly recommend this recipe!
Allyson says
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Sandra says
This is perfect for busy weeknights! So flavorful and easy to make!
katerina @ diethood.com says
I would love to try this!! It sounds incredible!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
Oh boy, this sounds terrific! The flavors are amazing!
Erik says
Okay, the garlic parm flavors here are amazing!
Catalina says
Easy, healthy and delicious! My new favorite chicken dish! Mmmmm...
Megan Randolph says
This was absolutely delicious!!! My husband really loved them too! Thanks so much for this recipe!
Allyson says
So happy to hear that! Thanks for your feedback! Make sure you try out our other air fryer recipes too!
Kay Harris says
Parmesan Cheese Chicken was AMAZING!
Allyson says
So happy to hear you enjoyed them!
Bob K says
followed recipe and got a paste that would not stick to the chicken, next time i'll use the dry ingredients and oil mist the chicken and toss
Allyson says
Hmm, it should have been more of a marinade consistency using the melted butter. It would likely work with oil mist and dry ingredients as well.
Debra Jones says
I tried this tonight and it turned out great. Served it over chickpea pasta and no sugar added marinara sauce. Great low carb meal in 30 minutes. Thanks we all enjoyed it.
Allyson says
So happy you enjoyed them!