Main Dishes

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

ByElena Marquez October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

Introduction

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the extra oil. Perfectly seasoned and coated with a cheesy breadcrumb crust, it cooks quickly and comes out golden and tender every time.

The image shows four golden brown breaded chicken cutlets cooking in a black pan. The cutlets have a crispy, textured coating with a mix of light and dark golden brown shades, sprinkled with small green herb bits on top. The front cutlet is slightly lifted, showing a juicy, white inside with a moist texture. The pan has ridges at the bottom, and the entire scene is set against a soft, blurred white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a little olive oil. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat fully.
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 6: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
Step 7: Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.
Use dried garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.
Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for an even crispier crust.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

In the center of the image, there are three golden-brown fried patties with a crispy, textured crust, sprinkled with small bits of finely chopped green herbs on top. The patties appear thick and juicy, with a slightly uneven surface showing a crunchy exterior. They are served inside a black skillet, which contrasts with the warm tones of the patties. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright backdrop. Light falls softly on the patties, highlighting their rich, crunchy coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. Frozen chicken may cook unevenly in the air fryer.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 117 reviews

Crispy and flavorful, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken features tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier twist on classic breaded chicken, it’s quick, easy, and delicious.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Breading

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Other

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to ensure the coating crisps up nicely during cooking.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken breast to infuse flavor and help the breading adhere.
Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs. This mixture forms the crispy crust for the chicken.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly on all sides.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes to reach the ideal cooking temperature for crispy texture.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispness.
Cook: Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

For even cooking, try to use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness.
Lightly spraying olive oil helps get a golden crust without deep frying.
Internal temperature should always reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure chicken is safely cooked.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Air fryer chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, Italian seasoning chicken

Elena Marquez

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