Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the need for frying in oil. Perfectly seasoned and coated with a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, it’s a meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and olive oil. Rub the mixture over each chicken breast.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
5. Step 5: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with olive oil spray.
7. Step 7: Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to add a tasty Italian twist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to keep the crust crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper crust adhesion. If using frozen, fully thaw the chicken before preparing.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 138 reviews

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken offers a crispy, golden-brown exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside. Coated with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic, this quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a perfectly crunchy texture without deep frying.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Seasoning

• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Olive oil spray (for cooking)

Breading

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Pat Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve a crispy crust during cooking.
2. Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a little olive oil. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken breast to infuse flavor.
3. Prepare Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs until well combined.
4. Coat Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly across the surface.
5. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
6. Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to encourage browning and crispiness.
7. Cook Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
8. Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are of similar thickness for even cooking; consider pounding thicker parts if needed.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture instead of pre-grated cheese.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil spray before air frying.
• Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) guarantees safe cooking; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
• Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken, easy chicken recipe