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
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs to create the crispy crust blend.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a full, even coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.