Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and healthier take on classic breaded chicken. The combination of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning creates a flavorful crust that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer without the need for excessive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks properly. Optionally, you can lightly pound the breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Spray each chicken breast lightly with olive oil on both sides. Then press each breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Spray the top of the chicken lightly with olive oil to help with browning. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your choice of sides or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, you can double coat the breasts by dipping in olive oil spray again and pressing more breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
- Italian seasoning can be substituted with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if unavailable.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken breasts, air fryer recipes, healthy chicken recipes
