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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are a simple, flavor-packed air fryer boneless chicken thighs recipe that makes weeknight dinners a breeze! Tender, juicy chicken thighs get crispy in the air fryer and are smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s quick to make and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why these Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs are a family favorite:
- Easy: Season the chicken, air fry, and finish with a creamy one-pot garlic Parmesan sauce—minimal steps, maximum flavor.
- Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry and fridge staples you probably already have.
- Quick: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, with perfectly crispy, juicy chicken thighs and a luscious sauce—ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make garlic Parmesan chicken thighs perfectly every time.
For exact measurements, check the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs: I’m using boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Olive oil: You can also use avocado oil if you prefer.
- Sea salt: I recommend fine-grain for even seasoning.
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful golden color.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Butter: Unsalted gives you control over seasoning, but salted works too.
- Garlic: I like using peeled garlic from the market to save time.
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese: Use the refrigerated version—it melts better and has the right flavor. Avoid shelf-stable Parmesan for this recipe.
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat—omit if you prefer mild flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish and a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs in the air fryer is simple! Follow these step-by-step photos to see how to make it in just a few easy steps.
Season the Chicken Thighs
I’m using the oil to help the spices stick to the chicken.
Air fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer for a golden sear and space the chicken pieces so they cook evenly.
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The chicken is fully cooked at about 18 minutes, but we like ours extra crisp, so we cook it 3–4 minutes longer for a firmer, crunchier bite.
Make the sauce & finish
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Keep the heat low to prevent it from overcooking or becoming too thick.
Pro Tips That Save Time & Add Flavor
Here are my top tips to get the most flavor with minimal effort:
- Fresh is best: You might be tempted to use garlic powder for the sauce, but fresh garlic cloves add so much more flavor. I like using individually sealed peeled garlic from the store for convenience.
- Refrigerated Parmesan: This melts beautifully and tastes better than shelf-stable versions.
- Preheat your air fryer: Not required, but it helps brown and sear the chicken for extra flavor.
Recipe Swaps & Variations
All of my recipes are kitchen-tested and designed to fit real life. Here are some easy swaps and variations you can try:
- Use other cuts of chicken: Air fryer bone-in chicken thighs, air fryer chicken legs, or air fryer chicken breasts all work great. Just use the posts I linked to adjust the cook time.
- Buy chicken thighs in bulk: Save money and have plenty on hand for other recipes like air fryer buffalo chicken thighs, and more.
- Switch up the spices: Before air frying, swap the seasoning for other blends, like my homemade Cajun seasoning or Blackening Seasoning, for a new flavor twist.
What to Serve With This
If you want to turn these boneless garlic Parmesan chicken thighs into a full meal, here are some of my favorite recipes to serve them with:
- Ninja Air Fryer Broccoli Recipe
- Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
- Easy Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
- Instant Pot Cabbage
- Easy Air Fryer Green Beans
Recipe FAQ
Simmer gently: Let the garlic cook slowly so it’s fragrant and mellow, not sharp or bitter.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Add it gradually to create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Pro tip: Keep the heat low while adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You could go a day or so longer, but the flavor and texture start to decline after 3–4 days.
- Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs
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Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 1½ lbs Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil, or avocado oil
- 1 tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika, regular works too for color, but won't add the smokiness
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, it comes grated in the refrigerated section of the grocery store
- ½ tsp Italian Seasoning
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes, optional
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, optional, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Use tongs to toss the chicken thighs with the oil and spices until they are evenly coated.
Air fry until golden.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken thighs golden and cooked through. You can start checking for doneness at 18 minutes, but you can continue to cook the chicken thighs until they are crisp enough for you!
Make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce
- While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook briefly (about 1 minute) until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer gently until smooth and slightly thickened.
Finish and serve.
- Transfer the air fried chicken thighs to a serving plate.
- Spoon warm garlic parmesan sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
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Nutrition Details
The nutrition facts come from entering the recipe ingredients into Spoonacular API, a database of food ingredients. They may vary for any recipe based on the exact product used.
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