Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is an easy, flavorful 30-minute dinner made with tender chicken breasts, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and crispy panko bread crumbs. The air fryer gives the chicken a golden, crunchy coating while keeping the inside moist and juicy. If you want a simple chicken recipe that tastes satisfying without deep frying, this air fryer parmesan chicken is a great choice for a busy weeknight meal.
That crisp parmesan and panko crust is exactly what makes this recipe so delicious. The air fryer helps the coating turn golden and crunchy with only a light spray of oil.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
One of the best things about cooking with an air fryer is how quickly it can turn simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. While not every recipe cooks faster in an air fryer, many chicken recipes do very well because the hot circulating air helps create a crisp exterior while the meat stays tender.
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a great example. Instead of pan frying chicken in a lot of oil, the chicken is lightly coated, sprayed with olive oil spray, and cooked until the crust is crisp and the center reaches a safe internal temperature. It is less messy than traditional frying and still delivers the texture you want from breaded chicken.
The coating is simple but full of flavor. Flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning help season the chicken. Beaten eggs help the parmesan and panko mixture cling to the surface. As the chicken cooks, the parmesan adds savory flavor and the panko creates a light, crunchy bite.
How to Air Fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Start by gathering all of your ingredients before you begin. Slice two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap, then pound each piece with the flat side of a meat tenderizer mallet until it is about one-half inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
Next, set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the freshly grated parmesan cheese with the panko bread crumbs.
Dip each piece of chicken into the seasoned flour, coating both sides. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the parmesan and panko mixture so the coating sticks well. Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray, add the chicken, and lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray or oil from a mister. Cook for 6 minutes, flip the chicken, spray again, and continue cooking for about 5 minutes more, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tasty Side Dishes to Eat With This Recipe
This crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken pairs well with simple vegetables, potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh side salad. Air fryer asparagus, garlic parmesan potatoes, green beans, or your favorite roasted vegetables all make excellent sides. You can also slice the chicken and serve it over salad for an easy lunch or lighter dinner.
The finished chicken is juicy inside with a crisp, savory crust on the outside. It is simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve whenever you want a comforting chicken dinner.
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
- Yes. Boneless chicken thighs can be used and are very flavorful. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Chicken drumsticks can also work in a pinch, but they will need a longer cooking time than thin chicken breast cutlets. Always check the internal temperature before serving.
Air Fryer Whole Chicken
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Air Fryer Fried Chicken
If you make this easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe, it is a great idea to note what sides you served with it and whether you used chicken breasts, thighs, or another cut. This recipe is simple, adaptable, and a reliable way to make crispy chicken without deep frying.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
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Air Fryer
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Meat Tenderizer Mallet
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3 Shallow Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (or finely shredded)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- olive oil spray
Instructions
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Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make four pieces. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and pound each piece to about one-half inch thick using the flat side of a meat tenderizer mallet.
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In a wide shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs.
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Dip one piece of chicken into the flour mixture and coat both sides well.
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Place the floured chicken into the beaten eggs and coat evenly.
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Transfer the chicken to the parmesan and panko mixture. Spoon the mixture over the top and press gently so the coating sticks.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
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Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, then place the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer.
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Spray the chicken with nonstick cooking spray or oil from a mister. Place the basket into the air fryer and cook at 400°F.
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Cook for 6 minutes, flip the chicken, spray again, and cook for about 5 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
You can substitute the flour and egg with mayonnaise.
- Skip the flour and egg steps and coat the chicken in mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle the chicken with the seasonings.
- Press the chicken directly into the panko and parmesan coating.
- Continue with the recipe as written.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Resources to Make This Recipe and More
This recipe uses basic kitchen tools, including an air fryer, a meat tenderizer mallet, and three shallow bowls for breading the chicken. Having the ingredients prepared before you start makes the coating process faster and helps the chicken cook evenly.