Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; Olive oil spray; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

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If you’re searching for a dinner that’s as simple as it is spectacular, look no further than Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This recipe strikes that magical balance: crispy outside, juicy inside, with all the irresistible flavors you crave from classic comfort food, but made lighter and faster in the air fryer. It’s the kind of dish that wins over picky eaters, impresses guests, and quickly finds a rotation spot in your weeknight menu. Flavorful, golden, and perfectly seasoned, this chicken truly delivers.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is wonderfully straightforward, thanks to a lineup of readily available ingredients that work together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each item plays a role, from the juiciness of the chicken to the savory crunch of the coating.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts — they cook evenly and become beautifully juicy in the air fryer.
Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses each bite with aromatic flavor that wakes up the dish.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Using real Parmigiano-Reggiano ensures an ultra-savory crust that melts just right.
Panko breadcrumbs: These are lighter and crunchier than standard breadcrumbs, giving the chicken its signature crispy coating.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings herby, earthy notes that compliment the Parmesan and garlic beautifully.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors throughout.
Pepper: Adds just a gentle kick and depth to the seasoning.
Olive oil spray: A quick burst helps the crust turn perfectly golden and crisp in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This small but crucial step ensures the coating will stick and the exterior turns properly golden and crispy — not soggy — as it cooks.

Step 2: Season Generously

In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub this flavorful mixture all over each chicken breast, making sure every nook and cranny gets a touch of seasoning. This not only boosts flavor but also helps the cheese and crumbs adhere.

Step 3: Prep the Parmesan Crust

In another bowl, stir together the freshly grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. Using fresh Parmesan is key here — it melts into the perfect savory crust, while panko gives unbeatable crunch.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each seasoned chicken breast into your breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. Use your hands to really press the mixture onto the chicken so it clings well. The thicker the crust, the crunchier and more flavorful your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken will be.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps jumpstart that crisping process as soon as the chicken goes in, giving you a restaurant-worthy result.

Step 6: Arrange and Spray

Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd — you want every piece to get air circulation! Give the tops a light mist of olive oil spray for an extra-golden, crispy finish.

Step 7: Cook to Perfection

Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the crust is a deep golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Serve your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken hot for maximum crispness and juiciness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

Add a finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for fresh color and a little herby aroma. A squeeze of lemon brightens every bite and adds a lovely zing that pairs well with the Parmesan crust.

Side Dishes

This chicken sings alongside classics like roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a peppery arugula salad. For a low-carb twist, try it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It’s also a winner atop pasta tossed in light marinara, soaking up every last bit of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken and layering it over a big, hearty salad for a café-style lunch. Or use it in a crusty Ciabatta sandwich with some pesto and greens for a quick dinner. It even makes a fabulous protein for grain bowls with couscous or quinoa and roasted veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing, and place parchment between layers to keep the coating from getting soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool to room temperature, then wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

For the crispiest leftovers, reheat your chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is revived. You can also bake it in a toaster oven, but avoid microwaving — it tends to make the coating chewy instead of crisp.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a little extra juiciness. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly; just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan just melts better and gives you a superior flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese tends to be a little drier and doesn’t adhere as well to the chicken.

What type of air fryer works best?

This recipe works in both basket-style and toaster-oven style air fryers. Just be sure not to overcrowd the chicken so the air can circulate and crisp up every side of your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Of course! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version. The texture and crunch will still be fantastic.

Do I need to flip the chicken during air frying?

Yes, flipping halfway ensures the crust crisps up evenly on all sides. Set a timer so you don’t forget, and enjoy that perfect golden finish!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken enough — it’s a shining example of how a handful of pantry staples and a trusty air fryer can turn an ordinary dinner into something amazing. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe for effortless, irresistible chicken that makes everyone at the table happy!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Seasoning:

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Olive oil spray

Coating:

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Pat dry: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Season: Mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Rub over each chicken breast.
Coating: Combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs in a bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the mixture.
Preheat: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Cook: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the air fryer for even cooking.
Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: Italian