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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful chicken dish coated in a savory Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly seasoned and cooked quickly in an air fryer, it’s a healthier, easy-to-make alternative to traditional fried chicken. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe delivers juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crunchy exterior.


Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Crust

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs


Instructions

  1. Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and the chicken crisps up nicely during air frying.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a little olive oil. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken breast for deep flavor.
  3. Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs to create the crispy crust blend.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a full, even coating.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for approximately 3 minutes to reach optimal cooking temperature.
  6. Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with olive oil spray to help achieve a golden brown crust.
  7. Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
  • For extra crispiness, flip the chicken halfway through cooking and spray with additional olive oil if needed.
  • Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier crust compared to regular bread crumbs.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste to customize the flavor profile.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.