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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe with Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer, topped with a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for flavorful weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin (about 5 minutes).
  2. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub seasoning into the skin gently but thoroughly.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
  6. While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
  8. Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate and drizzle the garlic parmesan butter sauce over the top while hot.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  10. Optional: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature). If skin is not crispy enough, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes at 425°F watching carefully to avoid burning. Sauce is best served warm and can be reheated gently before serving. For oven alternative, roast at 425°F for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, crispy chicken, garlic parmesan butter sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-garlic-parmesan-butter-sauce-easy-and-perfect/