Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Nothing beats a crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Succulent chicken breasts become extraordinary with a golden, crunchy exterior that seals in juicy tenderness.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions that impress without complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum satisfaction, turning an ordinary protein into something remarkable.

Cheese and breadcrumbs form a magical coating that crisps beautifully without excess oil.

Lean protein meets incredible texture in this foolproof recipe anyone can master.

We promise you’ll become the dinner hero with just a few smart moves.

Air Fryer Chicken That’s Crispy and Flavorful

• Transforms mundane chicken into a crispy, restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
• Delivers perfectly golden, juicy chicken every time using simple air fryer method that requires zero professional cooking skills.
• Combines kid-approved crispy coating with grown-up seasonings like garlic and Italian herbs, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner solution that satisfies all ages.
• Achieves delicious crispy texture using minimal oil compared to traditional frying, reducing calories while maintaining maximum crunch and flavor intensity.

What You’ll Need for Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, lean and tender meat that becomes crispy and flavorful with the Parmesan crust.

Notes: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness for even cooking.

• Egg, Water: Creates a sticky base that helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese, Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy, golden exterior with rich, savory flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Adds layers of aromatic and zesty seasonings to boost taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Olive Oil: Optional light brushing for extra golden color and moisture.

How to Air Fry Chicken Without Dry Spots

Step 1: Warm Up The Air Fryer

Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the appliance to heat up for several minutes while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Create Delicious Coating Mixtures

Prepare two separate bowls for coating:

• Egg
• Water

• Parmesan cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Transform Chicken Into Crispy Perfection

Gently dunk each chicken piece into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Then roll the chicken in the Parmesan mixture, pressing softly to help crumbs stick firmly.

Step 4: Cook With Precision

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly mist the chicken tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Golden Crust and Juicy Meat

• Maximize Flavor: Add extra garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the Parmesan coating for a more intense taste profile.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure the chicken doesn't stick and maintains its crispy crust.
• Achieve Perfect Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Customize Seasoning: Swap Italian seasoning with ranch seasoning or cajun spice mix to create different flavor variations of the dish.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165F for safe and juicy chicken every time.

Storing and Reheating Chicken the Smart Way

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm chicken at 350F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain crunchiness.
• Heat for 30-45 seconds, but note the coating might lose its crispness. Place on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
• Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil before reheating to help maintain moisture and restore some of the original texture.

Pairing Options for Air-Fried Chicken

• Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the rich parmesan crust, complementing the chicken's savory herbs.
• Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the crispy chicken's warmth, adding bright, tangy notes.
• Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with similar Italian seasonings create a harmonious side dish that echoes the chicken's flavor profile.
• Smooth, garlicky aioli or ranch dressing provides a cool, silky contrast to the crunchy parmesan coating.

Crusted Chicken Flavor Variations Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Almond Coating: Swap panko with finely ground almond flour and add extra herbs for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the Parmesan coating for a zesty, heat-packed flavor profile that adds excitement to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Chicken Variation: Incorporate dried oregano, lemon zest, and crushed dried mint into the Parmesan coating for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavor transformation.

Parmesan Chicken FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Just ensure they are roughly the same thickness for even cooking and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

• What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though panko provides a crispier texture. You can also use crushed crackers or cornflake crumbs as an alternative coating.

• Is it necessary to pound the chicken before coating?

Pounding helps create an even thickness, which ensures uniform cooking. If your chicken pieces are already thin and similar in size, you can skip this step.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). The chicken should also look golden brown and have a crispy exterior when done.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken brings golden perfection to dinner tables with remarkable ease. Cheese-coated chicken breasts deliver restaurant-quality flavor that delights with minimal effort, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and cut in half)

Breading and Seasoning:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
• Cooking spray or olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workstation by heating the air fryer to a crisp 400F (200C), allowing it to warm up for several minutes.
2. Tenderize the chicken breasts to ensure uniform thickness, promoting even cooking throughout.
3. Create two separate preparation vessels: one for the egg wash mixture, whisking together egg and water until smooth, and another for the crunchy coating blend combining finely grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
4. Transform each chicken piece by first dunking into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then generously rolling in the seasoned Parmesan-panko coating, gently pressing to help the crispy layer adhere perfectly.
5. Optimize the air fryer basket with a light cooking spray coating to prevent sticking and promote golden browning.
6. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a strategic single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and lightly mist the tops with cooking spray or delicately brush with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
7. Execute the cooking process by air frying for 10-12 minutes, executing a precise midway flip to guarantee an evenly golden, perfectly crisp exterior and reaching the critical internal temperature of 165F (75C) for safe consumption.

Notes

• Achieve consistently even chicken thickness by gently pounding cutlets between plastic wrap, ensuring uniform cooking and crispy coating.
• Experiment with alternative coatings like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same crispy texture.
• Prevent sticking by using parchment paper liners or a light coating of non-stick spray in the air fryer basket, guaranteeing easy removal and clean-up.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding herbs like dried thyme or rosemary to the Parmesan-panko mixture, creating a more nuanced and aromatic crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg