Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside

• A healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken

• Made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients

• Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights

• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing main dish

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Olive oil spray

Directions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels for maximum crispiness.

2. In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub evenly over the chicken breasts.

3. In another bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

4. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.

5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.

6. Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with olive oil spray.

7. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spiced-up version.

• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.

• Mix in fresh parsley or basil with the coating for extra freshness.

• Serve with marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

• Freeze cooked chicken by wrapping individually and storing up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 360°F for 10–12 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan instead of freshly grated?

Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan gives better flavor and helps create a crispier coating.

Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?

It’s optional, but flipping halfway through helps ensure even browning.

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Adjust cooking time to about 8–10 minutes since tenders are smaller.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and helps the coating crisp up right away.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

What dipping sauces go well with this chicken?

Ranch, marinara, honey mustard, or garlic aioli pair beautifully.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).

Can I bake this instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Will this work with bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking time will increase. Bone-in chicken may take 20–25 minutes in the air fryer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and healthier way to enjoy crispy chicken without deep frying. With its golden Parmesan crust and tender inside, it’s perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. Simple, versatile, and satisfying, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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