Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or panko); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 1 egg, beaten; Cooking spray

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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a comforting classic made lighter thanks to the air fryer. Each bite is packed with flavor from a golden, cheesy-herb crust, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or panko)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

1 egg, beaten

Cooking spray

Directions

I start by preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Then, I slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, giving me 4 thinner cutlets for even cooking.

In a shallow bowl, I mix together the parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

I pour the beaten egg into another shallow bowl.

Each cutlet gets dipped into the egg, then pressed into the parmesan mixture until it’s fully coated.

I spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.

I arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket. If I need to, I cook in batches so nothing overlaps.

I brush or drizzle the tops of the chicken with olive oil or butter for that irresistible golden crisp.

I air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until each piece is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal per serving

Variations

I like switching things up by adding different herbs or cheeses. Sometimes I use shredded mozzarella along with the parmesan for extra cheesiness. For a gluten-free version, I use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. If I want a spicy kick, I add a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them in an airtight container. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes to restore the crispiness. I avoid microwaving if I want to keep that crunchy coating.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is done in the air fryer?

I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C). The coating will also be golden and crispy when it's ready.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, I can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. It may not be quite as crispy, but it still turns out delicious.

What sides go well with this chicken?

I often pair it with a green salad, roasted veggies, or even pasta. Mashed potatoes or air-fried sweet potato fries are great too.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. I just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and I might need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on thickness.

Is it possible to prep this ahead of time?

Yes, I coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. That makes it easy to air fry right when I’m ready.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of my favorite quick and flavorful dinners. It’s crispy, satisfying, and so simple to make. Whether I’m cooking for my family or prepping meals for the week, it’s a recipe that always delivers.

📖 Recipe:

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with cheesy-herb flavor. A healthier take on a comforting classic, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the beaten egg into another shallow bowl.
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg, then press into the parmesan mixture until fully coated.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary.
Brush or drizzle the tops of the chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).