Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the warm, savory aroma of crispy chicken. The golden hue of the Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken glistens as you pull it from the air fryer, perfectly browned with a crunchy parmesan coating. Each bite promises a delightful crunch followed by tender, juicy chicken. It’s the kind of meal that brings the family together, and it’s so easy to make—perfect for a busy weeknight or a delightful weekend dinner.
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I still remember the first time I served a similar dish during a family gathering. The laughter around the table was unmistakable, and the compliments flowed like the marinara sauce I served on the side. Those moments, filled with good food and joyful company, are what cooking is all about. As the weather cools and cozy nights settle in, this recipe makes for the perfect comfort food. Let’s get cooking, and I promise you’ll want to make this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a go-to for those busy nights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of freshly grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs creates a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: It looks as good as it tastes—golden brown and crispy, it’s bound to impress at any dinner table.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for dinner, slice it for salads, or serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total): Fresh chicken ensures a juicy and flavorful base. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for extra moisture.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds a punch of savory flavor. If you need a substitute, garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: This is crucial for a rich and nutty flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it doesn’t melt or stick as well.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives that perfect light crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but the texture will be slightly different.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This adds a mix of herbs that perfectly complements the chicken. Feel free to use fresh herbs for extra fragrance!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning brings out the flavors in your chicken. Adjust according to your taste or dietary needs.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of black pepper adds just the right amount of zing. You can substitute with white pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Olive oil spray (for coating): This keeps everything crispy without all the added oil. You can also use any spray oil you prefer.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Pat and Prepare: Start by patting your chicken breasts completely dry. This step is key in ensuring the Parmesan crust adheres perfectly, giving you that sought-after crispiness. Moisture can prevent that, so use paper towels for the best results.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil to make a seasoning paste. Rub this mixture all over each chicken breast, ensuring every bit is coated. This flavorful coating is what makes each bite burst with deliciousness!
Mix the Coating: Take a shallow bowl and combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Mix until they’re evenly distributed. This combination is what will give your chicken that incredible crunch and flavor!
Dip and Coat: Now, take each seasoned chicken breast and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks to all surfaces. You want to see that gorgeous breadcrumb crust covering every inch of the chicken! Think of this as a fun activity; the crunchier, the better!
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This step is essential as it helps achieve that perfect golden crust. While it’s preheating, you can arrange your chicken, so it’s ready to go in as soon as the air fryer is heated up!
Cook the Chicken: Carefully arrange the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between the pieces for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to enhance that crispy texture. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 3-4 minutes. This crucial waiting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays moist and flavorful. Serve it hot, and enjoy the crunchy goodness!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Note that the texture may soften slightly when reheated, so consider spritzing with a little olive oil to refresh that crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid excess moisture on your chicken; dried chicken provides a better surface for the coating to stick.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked without guessing!
- Experiment with different herbs in the breadcrumb mixture, like rosemary or thyme, for added flavor.
- If your coating isn’t crisping up as desired, try cooking a few extra minutes. The addition of flour under the coating can also help if needed.
- This dish can be made ahead by preparing the chicken in advance and letting it sit covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
It’s hard not to feel a little proud when serving up this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken—it’s deliciously crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Cooking can be such a joyful experience, full of experimentation and moments of delight as you gather around the table to share memories. Don’t be afraid to add your own twist with herbs or spices, and remember, cooking is about enjoying the process. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—here’s to many delicious meals ahead!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time if thighs are larger, as they may need a few extra minutes to reach the safe internal temperature.
Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?
Yes! Simply replace regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Many brands offer quality gluten-free options that yield similar crunch and taste.
Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Certainly! If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and fully cooked.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or some pasta. You could even slice it up and toss it into a Caesar salad for a delicious twist!
More Dinner Recipes
- Spinach Puff Pastry Bites
- Greek Chicken and Orzo
- Classic Meatball Casserole
- Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo
- Leftover Fried Rice, Veggies and Eggs
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken features a crunchy parmesan coating and juicy chicken, making it an irresistible quick dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray (for coating)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry.
- Mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic with olive oil to make a paste; coat chicken.
- Combine Parmesan and panko in a bowl for coating.
- Dip and coat each chicken breast in the panko mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange chicken in air fryer basket and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
