Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Enjoy crispy and flavorful parmesan-crusted chicken made easily in your air fryer. This recipe delivers a healthier, quick weeknight dinner with a golden-brown crust and tender, juicy chicken inside.
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.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the air fryer for crispy chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). Spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier results. 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. For variations, add red pepper flakes for heat, experiment with different herbs, add mozzarella cheese for a gooey topping, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.