There’s something about a crispy, cheesy, perfectly seasoned chicken breast that can turn any ordinary weeknight into a celebration. And when you can make it in your air fryer with just a handful of ingredients? That’s what I call a win-win.

I remember the first time I made this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. I was trying to recreate that comforting, golden, and crunchy chicken my mom used to make, but without the heavy oil and the mess of deep frying. The air fryer turned out to be a game-changer. I watched in delight as the chicken emerged, perfectly crisp, with a cheesy, golden crust that my family couldn’t get enough of.

If you love crispy, cheesy chicken, you’ll also love our Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes.

How to Use an Air Fryer for Perfect Recipes

Using an air fryer to make recipes is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s a versatile, quick, and healthier way to prepare a wide range of dishes without the need for excessive oil. Here’s a simple guide on how to use your air fryer effectively:

1. Setting Up Your Air Fryer:

• Choose a Safe Surface: Place your air fryer on a flat, heat-resistant surface, away from walls or flammable items.
• Preheat if Needed: Some air fryers require preheating (check your model’s instructions). Generally, 3-5 minutes at your desired cooking temperature is enough.

2. Adjusting Temperature and Time:

• Know the Cooking Temperature: Most air fryer recipes cook between 350°F (175°C) and 400°F (200°C).
• Set the Cooking Time: This varies depending on the recipe, but most dishes are ready within 10-20 minutes.
• Use the Shake Feature: For recipes like fries, chicken wings, or roasted vegetables, shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

3. Preparing Your Ingredients:

• Lightly Coat with Oil: For crispy results, lightly spray or brush your ingredients with a bit of oil.
• Use Seasonings and Coatings: Whether you’re making crispy parmesan chicken or spiced fries, season your ingredients generously.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t stack or overcrowd the basket; air needs to circulate for even cooking.

4. Cooking in the Air Fryer:

• Arrange in a Single Layer: Lay food in a single layer for even crispiness.
• Monitor Cooking Progress: Check halfway to ensure your food isn’t burning. Adjust time as needed.
• Flip or Shake: For foods like chicken breasts or fries, flip or shake the basket halfway through.

5. Cleaning Your Air Fryer:

• Cool Before Cleaning: Allow the air fryer to cool completely before cleaning.
• Wipe the Basket: Most baskets are non-stick; gently wipe or soak them.
• Wash Removable Parts: Use warm, soapy water for the basket and tray.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

It clearly highlights the key benefits of this recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthier Option: Skip the deep frying but still get that crispy, cheesy crust.
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the crunchy, cheesy coating.
• Versatile: Serve it with a fresh salad, pasta, or even in a sandwich.

These parmesan crusted chicken breasts pair perfectly with our Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need for air fryer parmesan crusted chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• Cooking spray

How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them to an even thickness if needed.
2. Set Up Your Coating Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s well-coated on both sides.
4. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken breasts in the basket without overlapping.
5. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a minute, then serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best air fryer parmesan crusted chicken

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Make sure the chicken is an even thickness for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket give the chicken space to crisp up properly.

Want even more flavor? Try serving this with our Air Fryer Garlic Flatbread.

FAQs about air fryer parmesan crusted chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Can I make this parmesan crusted chicken keto-friendly?

Yes! Simply use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken has quickly become a family favorite in my home. It’s that perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and juicy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and I promise it will be a hit in your home too!

Hungry for more crispy chicken? Check out our Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

A quick, crispy, and cheesy chicken recipe made in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness

Coating

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• cooking spray

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them to an even thickness if needed.
• In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then press into the Parmesan mixture until well coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
• Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Keyword Air Fryer, Chicken, Crispy, Parmesan