Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) - Lemon wedges for serving - Side options (like air-fried vegetables or salad) When I make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, I love to gather all the ingredients first. This makes cooking smooth and enjoyable. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They should be boneless and skinless for the best results. I like to use fresh and high-quality Parmesan cheese. It adds a rich and nutty flavor. Panko breadcrumbs are my go-to for extra crunch. They create a lovely texture in the air fryer. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning give the chicken a nice taste. Paprika adds a hint of warmth and color. Don't forget salt and pepper! They enhance the flavors of the chicken. I always have beaten eggs ready for coating. The olive oil helps the crust crisp up in the air fryer. For added flair, I love fresh herbs and lemon wedges. They brighten the dish and make it look pretty. You can also serve it with air-fried veggies or salad for a complete meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This step is key to getting a nice, crispy chicken. While the air fryer heats up, grab your chicken breasts. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Next, take two large eggs and beat them in a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast in the eggs, making sure to coat it fully. This egg wash helps the crust stick well. Now, let’s make the tasty crust mixture. In another shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works best for crunch), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and some salt and pepper. Mix all these ingredients well. To get the perfect coating, press the chicken into this mixture. Make sure you cover every part of the chicken. The more you press, the thicker the crust will be. Once your chicken is coated, it’s time to cook. Lightly brush both sides of each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to crowd the basket. You might need to cook in batches. Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be too soft. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for a thick layer. This helps keep the crust intact during cooking. Next, for the oil, brush it lightly on both sides of the chicken. This adds flavor and helps with browning. Avoid soaking the chicken in oil. Too much oil can make it soggy. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat. Cutting too soon can lead to dry chicken. For a nice presentation, serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board. A white plate also looks great. Add freshly chopped parsley for color. Lemon wedges on the side add a fresh touch. These bright colors make the dish pop. Pair it with air-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. This creates a balanced meal that looks appealing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide a better flavor and texture compared to pre-packaged cheese. It melts beautifully and enhances the dish. Don't Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicier and more flavorful bite. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend according to your taste. Adding cayenne pepper for heat or herbs de Provence for a fragrant touch can elevate the dish. Air Fryer Capacity: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches will result in a more evenly cooked and crispy chicken. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Mozzarella adds a gooey texture. Cheddar brings a sharp flavor. Mixing cheeses creates a unique taste. Try combining Parmesan with mozzarella for a rich and cheesy crust. You can also blend Parmesan with cheddar for a zesty bite. If you need a gluten-free meal, substitute regular breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. They work just as well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Gluten-free crumbs may cook faster, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Want to spice things up? Add cayenne pepper for heat. Red pepper flakes also work well for a kick. For herb lovers, try adding dried oregano or thyme. These herbs can give your chicken a fresh twist. Experiment with spices to find your perfect flavor! To store leftover chicken, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This helps keep the chicken tasty and fresh. Glass or plastic containers are good choices. Just ensure they fit tightly. For freezing cooked chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This method helps keep out air and frost. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, take the chicken out and place it in the fridge to thaw overnight. This slow thawing keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. For reheating, the air fryer works best. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the chicken soggy. If you must use a microwave, place a paper towel over the chicken. This can help absorb extra moisture while warming. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They tend to cook a bit longer than breasts. Thighs have more fat, which makes them juicier. Expect about 5 extra minutes of cooking time. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can bake the chicken in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden and reach the same internal temperature. This dish pairs well with many sides. Consider fresh salads, steamed veggies, or roasted potatoes. Air-fried vegetables are also a great match. For a refreshing touch, add lemon wedges or a light sauce. Yes, meal prep is easy with this recipe. You can coat the chicken a few hours ahead. Store it covered in the fridge. When ready, just pop it in the air fryer. If you want to prepare even earlier, freeze the coated chicken. Thaw it overnight before cooking. This blog post covered how to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. We listed the needed ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions. I offered tips for a crispy crust and juicy chicken, plus ideas for variations. You learned about storage and reheating too. In closing, this dish is simple and tasty. You can adjust flavors as you like. Enjoy creating your own version and impressing others with your cooking skills!$

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Crispy and flavorful chicken breasts coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Place the beaten eggs in another shallow bowl.
Season the chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper, then dip each piece into the beaten eggs, coating it completely.
Transfer the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure an even and thick coating.
Brush both sides of each coated chicken breast lightly with olive oil.
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to do this in batches.
Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges for garnish. Pair with air-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, crispy, dinner, Parmesan