Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten; Olive oil spray, for air fryer basket and chicken

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 19 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and crispy chicken dish that feels a little fancy but comes together in a snap, then this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it on repeat — the crunchy, cheesy crust with juicy chicken inside is just unbeatable, and the air fryer makes it so easy and mess-free!

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Why This Recipe Works

Crispy, Golden Crust: The combination of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs creates a perfectly crunchy coating without frying in oil.
Juicy Chicken Inside: Air frying cooks the chicken evenly and quickly, locking in moisture for tender, juicy bites every time.
Simple Seasonings: Italian seasoning and garlic powder add just enough flavor without overpowering the star ingredients.
Less Mess, Less Oil: Using the air fryer means you get that “fried” texture with a lot less grease and cleanup.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner, quick dinner ideas - Inside a black air fryer basket, there are three pieces of breaded and cooked chicken, each with a golden brown crunchy coating that has some darker crispy spots. The pieces are uneven in shape, with one noticeably larger and placed near the bottom center, while the other two are smaller and positioned toward the top left and right corners. Small crumbs and bits of the coating are scattered around the chicken on the base of the basket, which has a slightly shiny black metal grid design and ventilation holes. The scene is brightly lit, showing texture details of the crispy surface and the basket's interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sharpness of Parmesan to the light crunch of panko, plus the herbs and spices that tie it all together — every piece is chosen to make your chicken sing.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner, quick dinner ideas - Flat lay of two large raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small heap of golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white bowl filled with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl with fine garlic powder, a small white bowl with coarse Kosher salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are lean and cook quickly; I recommend pounding them slightly for even thickness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan packs that nutty, savory hit you want in a crust.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, delivering unbeatable crunch.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives an aromatic, classic touch without extra effort.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth of flavor throughout the crust.
Kosher salt & black pepper: For balanced seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Egg: Acts as a glue to hold the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic version of this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe, you should definitely make it your own! It’s incredibly versatile and easy to tweak to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix gives the crust a lively kick — my go-to for game nights.
Herb swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed in for a fresher take.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep things crispy without wheat.
Cheese variation: Try mixing in some shredded mozzarella or Asiago with Parmesan for a melty, cheesy crust.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

First, I turn on the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat for roughly five minutes. This little step ensures the basket is hot when you add the chicken, which helps kick-start that crispy crust. If you skip preheating, you might end up with soggier breading — trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!

Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I always mix mine thoroughly — it’s worth the extra minute so the seasoning is evenly distributed and every bite has some pop.

Step 3: Egg Dip Then Coat with Breadcrumbs

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated but not dripping. Then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. Don’t be shy about pressing the crumbs on — that’s how you get a crust that sticks without falling off mid-cook.

Step 4: Air Fry for Crispy Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to keep things from sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer, leaving some space between them for hot air to circulate. Spray the tops of the breasts lightly again with olive oil — this helps that golden crust develop beautifully.

Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The crust should be golden and crispy, not burnt, so keep an eye during the last few minutes. Use tongs to flip carefully without knocking off the coating.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken rest for a minute or two — this helps the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy. Then slice, plate, and get ready for some serious compliments!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Pound for Even Cooking: I gently pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so the crust cooks perfectly without drying out the thinner parts.
Don’t Overcrowd: Keeping space between chicken breasts in the air fryer basket lets the hot air crisp up the coating instead of steaming it.
Use Olive Oil Spray: Spraying the chicken with oil helps the crumbs brown nicely—don’t skip this step for the golden crust effect!
Check Internal Temp: I always use a meat thermometer to ensure juiciness and food safety — 165°F is the magic number.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner, quick dinner ideas - A white plate with three main parts: on the right, a sliced golden brown crispy breaded chicken, showing white meat inside with some crumbs scattered around; at the top left, fresh green and purple leafy salad with soft, wavy leaves; at the bottom left, a small metal bowl filled with a thick, yellow creamy sauce that has a slightly grainy texture. The plate is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like topping the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving — it adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich crust. Sometimes I squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for a tangy contrast, especially on warmer days.

Side Dishes

For sides, roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans pair wonderfully, along with a simple mixed greens salad. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are also cozy choices to soak up any juices. And for a light carb option, I love pairing this chicken with a lemony quinoa salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve arranged sliced Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken over a bed of arugula drizzled with balsamic glaze — guests always ask for seconds! You could also slice and serve it atop pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes for a quick yet elegant meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the chicken cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the crust intact can be tricky, so I recommend layering parchment paper between pieces to avoid them getting soggy or sticking together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then popping them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep that crispy crust when reheating, I pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, turning halfway through. The crust crisps back up nicely without drying out the inside, way better than the microwave!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and tend to stay even juicier thanks to their higher fat content. Just keep in mind they might need a couple more minutes in the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to check for the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I do if my air fryer basket is small?

If your basket is on the smaller side, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overlapping pieces steam rather than crisp, which can make the coating soggy. It’s better to take the extra time to get that perfect crunch!
How do I prevent the crust from falling off during cooking?

Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the egg-dipped chicken and don’t skip spraying the tops with a little olive oil. This seals the crust and helps it crisp evenly. Also, flipping carefully with tongs helps keep the crust intact.
Can I prepare this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

You can absolutely prep the coated chicken pieces a few hours ahead or even the night before and keep them covered in the fridge. Just air fry them right before serving for the freshest, crispiest results.
Is this recipe healthy?

Compared to traditional fried chicken, this air fryer method uses much less oil while still delivering a crispy, flavorful crust, making it a lighter option. It’s a great way to enjoy that crunch without the extra calories and mess of deep frying.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits that sweet spot of being simple yet super satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or just cooking for yourself, it’s a recipe that feels comforting and special without any fuss. Give it a try on your air fryer—you’ll love how easily it transforms everyday chicken into a crisp, cheesy delight that’s always a crowd-pleaser!