Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
If you’re a fan of juicy chicken with a satisfyingly crispy crust, you are going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe! It’s the go-to dish I make when I want something that feels special, but is secretly simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. The magic here is in how the air fryer gives you that golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful—all with a fraction of the oil you’d use for traditional frying. Every bite bursts with savory Parmesan, a kick of garlic, and aromatic Italian herbs. This dish is not only quick, but adaptable for different dietary needs, and it’s an absolute crowd pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of humble ingredients transforms into something this crave-worthy. Each element in the Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has a mission—whether it’s adding crunch, boosting flavor, or ensuring each cutlet stays tender.
- Chicken breasts: Cutting them into thinner cutlets helps everything cook evenly and soak up maximum flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the crust rich, cheesy depth and a salty, nutty finish.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These give that signature airy, crispy crunch you simply cannot skip!
- Garlic powder: Infuses each bite with warm, savory notes—no chopping required.
- Italian seasoning: Brings the classic, earthy aroma of herbs that feels instantly homey.
- Salt: Makes all the flavors pop and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Adds an ever-so-subtle kick that rounds out the spice profile.
- Mayonnaise: Smear a thin layer to lock in moisture and help the cheese-breadcrumb mix cling beautifully.
- Olive oil spray: Just a quick spritz helps create an ultra-crispy crust without soaking the chicken in oil.
- Chopped parsley: This optional but highly recommended garnish adds a fresh, vibrant touch right before serving.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Kick things off by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This little step ensures you get that immediate blast of hot air, which is exactly what creates the signature crunch in any Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. A properly preheated basket means no sogginess—only golden perfection!
Step 2: Prep and Dry Your Chicken
Grab two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them in half horizontally, making four thin cutlets. Pat each cutlet totally dry with paper towels. This is key—the drier the chicken, the better the coating will stick, giving you that irresistible crust.
Step 3: Coat with Mayonnaise
Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on both sides of every chicken cutlet. This might sound unusual, but mayo adds subtle flavor, helps the crust adhere, and keeps the chicken beautifully juicy once it cooks.
Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Crust Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every bread crumb gets a little bit of cheese and spice—this is the flavor powerhouse of your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Coat Each Chicken Cutlet
Press each mayo-coated cutlet into the Parmesan-panko mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is covered on both sides. Press gently but firmly so that glorious crust won’t budge once in the fryer.
Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if you need—overcrowding will make them steam rather than crisp. Give the tops a quick spritz with olive oil spray. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let your chicken rest for a couple of minutes after air frying. This quick pause gives the juices time to redistribute, keeping each bite extra moist. Finish with a scatter of fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a subtle herbal burst that lifts the cheesy, savory profile. You could also squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top for brightness, or add a few shavings of extra Parmesan if you adore cheese as much as I do.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe is like a chameleon—pair it with a zesty salad for something light, or set it atop fluffy pasta tossed with olive oil and tomatoes for a heartier meal. Roasted veggies, steamed green beans, or creamy mashed potatoes also work beautifully on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken into strips for salads or wraps, or lay it over a bed of herbed quinoa for a wholesome twist. You can even serve it slider-style on mini brioche buns with crisp lettuce and tomatoes—the possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers from this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust stays surprisingly crisp, and the flavor just gets better.
Freezing
For make-ahead magic, freeze the fully cooked (and cooled) chicken cutlets in a single layer on a sheet pan. Once they’re firm, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, squeezing the air out. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 months—just remember to label and date.
Reheating
To bring your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe back to life, heat the chicken straight from the fridge or freezer in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed and crisp, usually just a few minutes per side. The crust comes right back to crunchy life—no sogginess here!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly for this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a few minutes longer.
How can I make this gluten free?
Swap in your favorite gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds in place of regular panko. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set for a gluten-conscious meal!
Why use mayonnaise instead of egg?
Mayonnaise does double duty here—it helps the coating stick without needing to whip an egg, and it keeps the chicken extra juicy with a subtle added flavor. Once you try it, you’ll want to use it for other crusted dishes too.
Can I prep the chicken ahead of time before air frying?
Definitely! Coat your chicken in the mayo and Parmesan crust, then keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the preheated air fryer as usual—perfect for easy entertaining.
My chicken didn’t get crispy, what went wrong?
If your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe comes out less than crisp, check that your basket wasn’t overcrowded (air needs to circulate) and that you patted the chicken dry before coating. Also, make sure you preheated the air fryer—these tips guarantee a golden, shatteringly crisp result every time!
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t wait for you to try this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and completely satisfying—just what a weeknight dinner should be. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised when it disappears faster than you imagined!
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy chicken without the guilt. The combination of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasonings creates a savory coating that locks in moisture, resulting in juicy chicken cutlets with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- olive oil spray
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on both sides of each chicken cutlet.
- Coat the chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Press each chicken cutlet into the mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Air fry: Place the coated chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Notes:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds.
- Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, or on top of pasta for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
