Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers crispy, golden chicken breasts without the extra oil of traditional frying. Perfectly seasoned and coated with a cheesy breadcrumb crust, it’s a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Rub the mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
5. Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.
7. Step 7: Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, spray the coated chicken with a little olive oil spray before air frying.
• Swap Italian seasoning with your favorite dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs if you want a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and crispy coating. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 595 reviews

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cooked to a perfect golden crisp in the air fryer, it’s a quick and healthy way to enjoy a classic chicken dish with minimal oil and maximum flavor.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 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

Breading Mixture

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up properly during cooking.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a little olive oil. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
3. Prepare the breadcrumb coating: In another bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs thoroughly.
4. Coat the chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to fully coat each piece.
5. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
6. Cook the chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to promote browning.
7. Air fry until golden and cooked through: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better and crisp up nicely.
• If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding for an even crust.
• You can add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
• Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: air fryer chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy air fryer recipes, healthy chicken dinner