Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breast, its parmesan crust bursting with flavor in every bite; the best part? It’s ready in minutes, thanks to the magic of your air fryer! This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe will become a staple in your kitchen – I promise it’s easier than you think, and even more delicious!
The Star Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium)
Parmesan Crust
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Why This Air Fryer Chicken Recipe Rocks!
Okay, so you might be wondering, “Why another chicken recipe?” Well, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken stands out for a few reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick. We’re talking weeknight dinner hero status! Second, it’s healthier than traditional frying because we’re using the air fryer, which means less oil and fewer calories. Plus, who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy crust? This is one of the best easy chicken airfryer recipes I know.
Gear Up: Essential Equipment
- Air Fryer: Any model will work, but make sure it’s preheated for best results.
- Three shallow dishes: One for the flour, one for the egg wash, and one for the parmesan crust.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin: For even cooking.
- Tongs: For safe and easy handling.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate
Prep the Chicken
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tender chicken.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the parmesan crust adhere better.
Prepare the Crust
- In a shallow dish, combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or water).
- Place the flour in the third shallow dish.
Crust the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
- Press the chicken into the parmesan cheese mixture, coating both sides evenly. Gently press the crust to help it adhere.
Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Place the parmesan-crusted chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your air fryer.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Success
Getting the perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is all about the details. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: This is key to crispy chicken. If you overcrowd the basket, the chicken will steam instead of crisping up. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F (74°C).
- Spray with oil: A light spray of cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil) before and halfway through cooking helps the crust get extra crispy.
- Don’t skip the resting period: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are a few ideas:
- Add some heat: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the parmesan crust for a little kick.
- Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary in the crust.
- Cheese, please!: Add a layer of mozzarella cheese during the last minute of cooking for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Gluten-Free: Easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
- With a side of veggies: Serve it with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Over pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta and a simple tomato sauce or Alfredo sauce. You can even add some spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- In a salad: Slice the chicken and add it to a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with your favorite dressing.
- As a sandwich: Serve it on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise for a delicious chicken sandwich.
More Easy Chicken Ideas For Dinner
If you’re looking for more easy chicken ideas for dinner, you’ve come to the right place! Chicken is such a versatile ingredient, and there are endless possibilities for creating delicious and healthy meals. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of types of chicken recipes. If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, you’ll also love my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes for a comforting and easy dump dinner. For a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, try my Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce. And if you’re craving pasta, my Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
And don’t forget about sides! If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack or side dish, my Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries are a must-try. Finally, for another take on crispy chicken, check out my Irresistible Crispy Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Healthyish Recipes: Making it Lighter
Looking to keep things on the lighter side? This recipe is already a great start compared to deep-fried versions! To make it even healthier, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs, reducing the amount of parmesan cheese slightly, and serving it with a large portion of steamed or roasted vegetables. Using chicken tenders also helps reduce cooking time and keep the portion size manageable. These simple tweaks can transform this into a truly guilt-free pleasure.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Dinner
I truly believe this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken will become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and relatively healthy – what more could you ask for? So, grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
Why is air frying chicken better than traditional frying?
Air frying is healthier because it uses less oil, resulting in fewer calories.
What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken?
The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s cooked through.
How should I store and reheat leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving.
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
You can add red pepper flakes for heat, experiment with different herbs like basil or rosemary, add mozzarella cheese during the last minute of cooking, or make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Three shallow dishes
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
- Tongs
- Plastic wrap or resealable bag
- Paper towels
- Whisk
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3 medium
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or Italian seasoned
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk (or water).
- Place the flour in the third shallow dish.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
- Press the chicken into the parmesan cheese mixture, coating both sides evenly. Gently press the crust to help it adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the parmesan-crusted chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your air fryer.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
