Why Make This Recipe
If you’re on a quest for a tasty, healthy meal that doesn’t involve endless pots and pans, you’ve hit the jackpot. Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. It’s like taking a comfort food classic and giving it a health makeover—without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something delicious but don’t have time to mess around.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Let’s get right into it! Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is as easy as pie—just without the calories and the carbs. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen faster than it takes to watch a whole episode of your favorite show. Seriously! Here’s what you need to do:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for that crispy goodness!
- In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. It’s like a cheesy party in a bowl.
- Coat each chicken breast with the mixture, pressing firmly to make it stick. Channel your inner chef here!
- Spray the coated chicken with a light mist of olive oil. A little oil helps achieve that crispy crunch.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd it; the chicken needs its space to shine.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has that golden crispy exterior.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! Seriously, don’t wait; it’ll call your name.
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Now, what to do with this delight once it’s out of the air fryer? You can serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a side salad, some roasted veggies, or even on a bed of pasta if you’re feeling indulgent. Drizzle a little balsamic glaze or ranch dressing for an extra kick. And remember, it’s like wearing a superhero cape—totally enhances the meal. 🦸♀️
How to Store Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Got leftovers? You lucky duck! To store, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It’ll hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, just pop it back in the air fryer for a quick reheating—no soggy microwaved chicken mess here!
Tips to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Use fresh Parmesan: Grated cheese from a block melts way better than the stuff that comes in a canister.
- Don’t skip the spices: A little garlic powder and Italian seasoning go a long way—embrace the flavor!
- Air fryer sizes vary: Adjust your cooking time based on your air fryer’s wattage; some might need a minute or two more (or less).
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try switching up the breadcrumbs for panko for an extra crunch, or toss in some herbs like fresh basil or parsley for a flavor boost. You could even experiment with flavors by adding a bit of hot sauce to the mix—who doesn’t love a little spicy twist? 🌶️
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Don’t worry; you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer, but you’ll need to add some extra time—around 5-10 minutes should do the trick. Just make sure they’re not stuck together!
2. Can I make this without an air fryer?
Of course! You can bake these in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
3. What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). No one wants to deal with undercooked chicken, am I right?
So there you have it! Dive into this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken adventure, and let your taste buds do a happy dance. 🍗🎉

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use fresh grated Parmesan for best results.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko for extra crunch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds aroma and taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray For coating chicken for crispiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix together Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast with the mixture, pressing firmly to make it stick.
- Spray the coated chicken with a light mist of olive oil.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cooking
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden crispy exterior.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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