Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — this air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is everything your taste buds have been craving without the guilt of deep frying. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this irresistible recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen. Ready to upgrade your dinner game? Keep reading to discover how!
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Description
Golden, crispy, and unbelievably flavorful, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but is delightfully simple to make. It is my go-to dinner when I want something cozy, impressive, but totally weeknight friendly.
The air fryer does all the heavy lifting here, crisping the parmesan crust to perfection while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. The coating is full of savory cheese, warm spices, and buttery breadcrumbs. It is like your childhood chicken tenders grew up and got sophisticated. Every time I serve this, even the picky eaters ask for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, foolproof, and uses everyday ingredients. It is perfect for those hectic evenings when dinner needs to be ready quick but still feel satisfying. With minimal cleanup and no need for frying oil, it is healthier than classic fried chicken but still indulgent enough to feel special.
The flexible nature of this dish means you can serve it as a main course, slice it into wraps or salads, or meal prep it for the week. Plus, you can tweak the coating to your liking with spices or alternate cheeses. I even love adding a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra brightness.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the chicken hot, straight from the air fryer while the coating is still perfectly crispy. I love pairing it with steamed green beans or garlic mashed cauliflower for a complete meal. It also goes wonderfully with Caesar salad or tucked into a brioche bun with mayo and arugula.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
To freeze, first let the chicken cool fully. Wrap each piece tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer or thaw overnight in the fridge and heat until warmed through.
Course, Cuisine
Dinner, American
Servings & Time Info
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 15 minutes |
| Total Time: | 25 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dipping dishes
- Tongs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If they are particularly thick, slice them in half horizontally or gently pound with a mallet until even for quicker and more even cooking.
- Set up breading stations: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. In another dish, mix together the parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Bread the chicken: Dip one piece of chicken in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then press both sides into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. I like to use my hands to really press that coating on.
- Prep for air frying: Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray. This helps achieve that irresistible golden crunch without deep frying.
- Air fry: Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating should turn beautifully golden and crisp and the internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken immediately while it is hot with your choice of sides or sauces.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Recipe Notes
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
You can, but make sure they are fully thawed before breading and cooking. Patting them dry is especially important to help the coating stick.
What other cheeses can I use?
A mix of parmesan and Romano works really well. Asiago or finely grated sharp cheddar can also give a nice twist.
How do I make it spicy?
Add one fourth teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also serve it with a spicy aioli or buffalo sauce.
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If thick, slice horizontally or gently pound until even thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In a separate dish, combine the parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press the chicken into the parmesan and panko mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Lightly spray both sides of the coated chicken with olive oil spray.
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 390°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.
