Print

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs. This mixture forms the crispy crust for the chicken.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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