Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
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.
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.