Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe made in the air fryer results in crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich and cheesy crust. The air fryer makes the cooking process quicker and healthier by cutting down on oil, but still delivers that perfectly crisp texture we all love. The combination of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs makes this dish irresistible.

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, thyme, basil)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Optional for Serving:

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for a fresh citrus kick)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping)

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Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowls (for breading station)
• Basting brush or spoon
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray (for air fryer basket)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Time: 5 minutes

1. Pound the Chicken (optional): To ensure even cooking and tenderness, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1 inch thick). You can use a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step is optional but helps the chicken cook uniformly in the air fryer.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with a little salt and pepper. This will help enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Time: 3 minutes

1. Prepare the Bread Crumbs: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will act as the “glue” to hold the breadcrumbs onto the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Time: 5 minutes

1. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, making sure both sides are coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off before moving to the next step.
2. Then, press the chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, turning it over to coat both sides evenly. Gently press down on the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick well. Repeat with all the chicken breasts.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer and Prepare the Basket

Time: 3 minutes

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a crispy coating.
2. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or line it with a sheet of parchment paper. You can also use a silicone liner, which helps with cleanup.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Time: 18-20 minutes

1. Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to work in batches. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the chicken from crisping up properly.
2. Brush with Olive Oil or Butter: Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the top of each chicken breast. This helps to create a golden, crispy crust.
3. Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the crust is golden and crispy.
   • If you have a larger chicken breast, you may need to cook it for a few extra minutes. Check the chicken at the 18-minute mark to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve

Time: 2-3 minutes

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes to lock in the juices.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor.
3. Optionally, serve with lemon wedges for a citrusy burst or alongside marinara sauce for dipping.

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Notes:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well in the air fryer and tend to be juicier.
• Breadcrumb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier texture, but you can use any breadcrumbs you have on hand.
• Cheese Options: If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use other hard cheeses like Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano. Just keep in mind that Parmesan has a distinct flavor, so it will slightly change the taste if you use a different cheese.
• Crispy Coating: For extra crispy chicken, you can dip the chicken back into the egg wash and breadcrumbs for a double coating. This adds more crunch and a thicker crust.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or a fresh green salad.
  • Pair it with a side of pasta or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and coat it in breadcrumbs ahead of time. Simply store the breaded chicken in the fridge for up to 4 hours before air frying. If you want to make it ahead for future meals, freeze the breaded chicken breasts. To cook from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
• Air Fryer Models: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If you’re using a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Parmesan crusted chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
• Crispy Without the Frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you get the crispy, golden exterior of fried chicken without the mess and excess oil.
• Healthy & Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs adds great flavor while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside.

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This Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer is an incredibly flavorful and easy recipe that delivers crispy, cheesy goodness in no time. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a family gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your air fryer repertoire! Enjoy!