Crunchy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Tonight

Tender chicken breasts meet a golden parmesan crusted coating in this irresistible air fryer parmesan crusted chicken that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The crispy exterior gives way to juicy, perfectly cooked meat that will make dinner feel like a gourmet experience.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch and rich, savory notes from the parmesan cheese.

The air fryer works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in just minutes.

Lean protein gets a delicious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

You’ll love how the parmesan creates a beautiful golden crust that seals in all the chicken’s natural moisture.

Prepare to be amazed by this easy weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.

Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Pasta

• Flavor Pairing Perfection: Serve this crispy Parmesan chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a zesty lemon risotto for a complete meal that balances textures and tastes.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a fresh arugula salad dressed in light vinaigrette, adding a peppery contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken and cutting through its golden crunch.
• Sauce Companions: Drizzle with homemade marinara, garlic aioli, or tangy ranch dressing to enhance the chicken's savory Parmesan coating and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Wine & Dine: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that harmonizes with the chicken's delicate and cheesy profile.

Storing Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Properly

• Prepare multiple chicken pieces in advance for quick weeknight meals. Store cooked chicken in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go protein options throughout the week.
• Keep leftover chicken in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags or wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Revive leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy coating and prevents sogginess that often happens with microwave reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Air Fryer Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein centerpiece, choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

• Eggs, Water: Binding agent creating perfect adhesive layer for crispy coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese providing robust flavor and golden crunch.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Ultra-light, crispy texture guaranteeing irresistible exterior.

• Garlic Powder: Concentrated savory punch without raw garlic texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend adding Mediterranean depth.
• Paprika: Warm, slightly smoky undertone enhancing overall complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers bringing out natural chicken taste.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures non-stick surface and helps achieve golden-brown crust.
• Olive Oil: Optional light brushing for extra moisture and beautiful sheen.

Tools for Cooking Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Air Fryer: Essential for quick, crispy cooking without excess oil.
• Shallow Bowls (2): Perfect for egg mixture and Parmesan-panko coating.
• Whisk: Helps blend egg and water smoothly.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Great for evening out chicken thickness.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil Brush: Ensures golden, crispy exterior.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Confirms chicken is safely cooked to 165F.

How to Air Fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken Right

• Warm Up Your Kitchen Buddy

Crank your air fryer to a toasty 400F and let it get cozy for a few minutes.

• Chicken Transformation

Gently flatten chicken to ensure even cooking magic happens. Create a magical egg wash by whisking egg with water in one bowl. In another bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, and seasonings for a flavor explosion.

• Dress Your Chicken in Crispy Armor

Dive each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then lovingly coat with the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to create a perfect crunchy shield.

• Sizzle and Crisp

Spritz your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully place chicken pieces in a single layer, giving them room to dance. Give the tops a quick spray of cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping midway, until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and reaches 165F internally. Your crispy masterpiece is ready to devour!

Flavor Swaps for Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crunchiness and help the coating stick perfectly.
• Replace regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for sensitive diets without losing texture.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dried basil to create unique flavor profiles that complement the Parmesan crust.
• Use Greek yogurt mixed with an egg instead of pure egg wash to reduce calories and add extra protein to the coating.
• Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then air fry when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken elevates weeknight dinners with restaurant-quality flavor. Golden cheese coating and juicy meat promise a quick, delicious meal that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and cut in half)
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese (grated)
• ½ cup (60 g) panko or regular breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (2 g) Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp (1.5 g) paprika
• ½ tsp (3 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (0.5 g) black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Preparation Stage: Heat air fryer to 400F (200C) for optimal crispy coating. Ensure chicken is uniformly thick by gently pounding to create consistent cooking texture.
2. Coating Process: Create two distinct seasoning stations – one with whisked egg and water, another with a zesty blend of grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly dunk each chicken piece into egg mixture, then generously roll in Parmesan-panko blend, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
3. Cooking Technique: Spritz air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even browning. Lightly mist chicken tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil for enhanced golden color. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform crispiness. Confirm doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), which indicates perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a delightfully crunchy exterior.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is uniformly thick (about 1/2 inch) to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Press Parmesan-panko mixture gently but firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, adherent crust that won’t fall off during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165F, preventing foodborne illness while maintaining juicy texture.
• Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket; cook chicken in single layers to allow proper hot air circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg