AIR FRYER PARMESAN CHICKEN!

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly juicy chicken, encased in a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown Parmesan crust. No, you don’t need a deep fryer or tons of oil to achieve this culinary dream! With the magic of your air fryer, you can create incredibly delicious, healthy, and utterly irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Irresistible! We’re talking about dinner that’s ready in minutes and will have everyone begging for seconds. Get ready to say goodbye to boring chicken and hello to your new weeknight favorite!

Gathering Your Golden Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing chicken. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 2-3 breasts, depending on size.
• 1 large Egg: To help the breading adhere.
• 1 tbsp Milk or Water: To thin the egg wash slightly.
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour: For the first layer of breading.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds another layer of savory goodness.
• 1/2 tsp Paprika: For a touch of color and subtle smokiness.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Don’t skimp!

For the Parmesan Crust:

• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the best, crispiest texture.
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch.
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil: To help the breadcrumbs crisp up perfectly.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: For a classic Italian flavor profile.
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick!

Step-by-Step to Crispy Chicken Perfection

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying restaurant-quality chicken in no time.

Getting Started:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is KEY for getting a crispy crust!
2. Set up Your Breading Station: You’ll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the egg and milk or water. In the second dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the third dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Breading the Chicken:

1. Dip in Flour: Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, again ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
3. Parmesan Crust: Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Coat both sides completely. This is where the magic happens!

Air Frying to Golden Brown:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer (if necessary): Some air fryers require preheating, while others don’t. Check your air fryer’s manual. I usually preheat mine to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the chicken won’t get crispy. You may need to cook in batches.
3. Air Fry: Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest (Important!): Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Why Air Frying Makes This Chicken a Winner

The air fryer is seriously a game-changer! Here’s why it’s perfect for making this Parmesan crusted chicken:

• Crispy Without the Guilt: You get that satisfying crispy texture without all the oil of deep frying.
• Quick and Easy: Air frying is much faster than baking or pan-frying. Dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes!
• Even Cooking: The circulating hot air ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides.
• Easy Cleanup: No messy splatters or greasy pans to deal with.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Want to take your air fryer Parmesan chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is the most important tip! Overcrowding prevents the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and coarser than regular breadcrumbs, which means they’ll create a much crispier crust.
• Press the Breadcrumbs Firmly: Make sure the breadcrumbs are really pressed into the chicken so they don’t fall off during cooking.
• Spray with Olive Oil (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the breaded chicken with olive oil before air frying.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
• Flavor Variations: Get creative with your seasonings! Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different sides. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Classic Sides: Serve it with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes.
• Pasta Perfection: Pair it with your favorite pasta dish, like GARLICKY PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA, for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread is always a winner!
• Lemon Butter Sauce: Drizzle the chicken with a simple lemon butter sauce for extra flavor and richness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat the chicken and keep it crispy is in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven, but it won’t be quite as crispy.

Other Parmesan Delights You’ll Adore

If you love this recipe, you absolutely *must* try some of my other favorite Parmesan-infused creations. They’re all guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers!

• For a creamy and comforting dish, you can’t go wrong with CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN. It’s perfect over pasta or rice!
• Craving a quick and easy side dish? GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA HEAVEN is calling your name!
• And if you’re looking for a fun appetizer, try the CHEESY PARMESAN MOZZARELLA BOMBS. They’re seriously addictive!
• For a barbecue twist, GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN SKEWERS are delicious and easy.
• Or try the simple, yet elegant Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Time to Get Cooking!

So, there you have it – a simple, delicious, and healthy recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the most amazing chicken you’ve ever tasted. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Enjoy perfectly juicy chicken with a shatteringly crisp, golden-brown Parmesan crust, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. This recipe delivers a healthy and irresistible dinner in minutes, making it a new weeknight favorite for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Air fryer
• 3 shallow dishes or bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp milk or water
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• If chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the egg and milk or water. In the second dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the third dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
• Press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Coat both sides completely.
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) if required.
• Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded chicken with olive oil before air frying. Adjust cooking time as needed, as air fryers vary. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.