Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Crispy, Juicy & Packed with Flavor
Looking for an easy, crispy, golden, and juicy chicken recipe? This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The air fryer gives it the perfect crunch without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
My Experience with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
I’ve always loved crispy chicken, but I hated the mess of pan-frying. Once I started using my air fryer, I discovered the best way to get crispy, golden-brown chicken with half the oil and effort. The key to this recipe is coating the chicken with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, which creates a flavor-packed crust that’s both crunchy and savory. Every bite is juicy, tender, and loaded with cheesy goodness!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It pairs well with nearly anything—from a fresh salad to pasta, roasted vegetables, or even tucked into a sandwich. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Golden – Perfect crunch without deep frying.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
✔️ Juicy & Flavorful – Parmesan adds richness, while the air fryer keeps it moist.
✔️ Healthier Alternative – Less oil than traditional frying.
✔️ Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved – A crowd-pleaser for all ages.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stays crispy when reheated in the air fryer.
✔️ Customizable – Works with different seasonings, breading, and sauces.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Find the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness, optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Make the Coating: In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the egg wash, then dredge in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Best Sides for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Pair your crispy chicken with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and delicious!
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh and crisp contrast to the crunchy chicken.
- Pasta with Marinara – Like a deconstructed Chicken Parmesan.
- Air Fryer French Fries – Because crispy chicken and fries are a perfect match!
- Coleslaw – A fresh, tangy side that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Rice Pilaf – A light and fluffy side to soak up the flavors.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t stick as well or melt properly.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It helps the coating stick and adds moisture.
- Space the Chicken Out: Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents even cooking.
- Want Extra Crunch? Add more panko or brush the chicken lightly with olive oil before cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For More Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time to 12-14 minutes.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crispy alternative.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp it up again.
Can I freeze Parmesan crusted chicken?
Yes! Freeze before cooking, then air fry from frozen at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Absolutely! Try Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or even a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Serving Ideas & Meal Prep
Want to use this recipe for meal prep? Here are some ideas:
- Chicken Sandwich: Serve in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli.
- Salad Topping: Slice and toss on a bed of greens with balsamic dressing.
- Wrap It Up: Use in a tortilla with avocado, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch.
- Protein Bowl: Pair with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a creamy dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. It’s an easy, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken and is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even special occasions. Whether you serve it with a salad, pasta, or a simple side, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite!
The best part? You won’t miss deep frying at all! The air fryer does all the work, giving you that perfect golden crustwith hardly any oil. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
Try it today, and let me know how you liked it!
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Crispy, Juicy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Looking for an easy, crispy, golden, and juicy chicken recipe? This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The air fryer gives it the perfect crunch without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra crispiness, optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Make the Coating: In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the egg wash, then dredge in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
Pair your crispy chicken with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and delicious!
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh and crisp contrast to the crunchy chicken.
- Pasta with Marinara – Like a deconstructed Chicken Parmesan.
- Air Fryer French Fries – Because crispy chicken and fries are a perfect match!
- Coleslaw – A fresh, tangy side that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Rice Pilaf – A light and fluffy side to soak up the flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 236
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
