Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that combines juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust, this air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is your new best friend. It’s loaded with savory Italian flavors, delivers unbeatable crunch, and cooks up perfectly golden every single time. Whether you’re hosting friends, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something deliciously simple, this recipe will hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Super crispy outside and tender, juicy inside—no deep frying required!
- Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Low oil, healthier take on classic breaded chicken.
- Packed with bold parmesan and Italian herb flavors.
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a protein-packed snack.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally for thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, mix together the parmesan, panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in olive oil and toss until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet first in the egg, then coat thoroughly with the parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crust sticks well.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and an internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes & Helpful Tips for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt; pre-grated cheese may not crisp as well—learn more at Serious Eats.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to keep the chicken crispy.
- Let the chicken rest 2-3 minutes before slicing for juicier results.
Variations: Try These Tasty Twists
- Spicy Crusted Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the breading mix.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs (see EatingWell’s guide).
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme to the crust.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Air fryer (min. 4-quart recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife & cutting board
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover air fryer parmesan crusted chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness, or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Serving Ideas: What to Pair with Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Pair with garlic mashed potatoes and roast broccoli for a hearty dinner.
- Slice and layer in a sandwich with fresh tomatoes and basil aioli.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil before air frying for maximum crunch—see more on Bon Appétit’s air fryer guide.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key for even cooking.
- Let parmesan crusted chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep the juices inside.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just increase cook time by 2-3 minutes if needed.
- How do I get the breading to stick?
- Make sure the chicken is dry before breading and press the crumb mixture firmly onto each piece.
- Is this recipe keto-friendly?
- With a simple swap to almond flour and omitting panko, this recipe can be made lower-carb.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12-14 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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2In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs. In another bowl, combine parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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3Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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4Lightly spray both sides of the coated chicken breasts with olive oil spray.
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5Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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