Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Looking for a mouthwatering, crispy chicken dish that’s full of flavor but lighter than traditional fried chicken? This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe delivers that satisfying, golden crunch without the mess or excess oil of deep-frying. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get juicy, tender chicken coated in an irresistibly seasoned Parmesan crust—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing a crowd.
Why This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Will Be Your New Go-To
This recipe stands out for its blend of simplicity and bold flavor. The combination of sharp Parmesan, aromatic herbs, and panko crumbs creates a crunchy exterior that locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is savory and juicy. Utilizing an air fryer cuts down on cook time and cleanup, and gives you a healthier version of a classic comfort food—no compromise on flavor or texture.
How to Prepare Perfect Parmesan Coating
The essence of this dish lies in the well-seasoned, cheesy crust. To get an even coating, mix finely shredded Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a touch of smoked paprika. For best results, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to effortlessly mince fresh herbs or dice garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
If you want your cheese extra fine for better adhesion, pulse it briefly in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a uniform texture.
Easy Steps for Air Frying Crispy Chicken
Line your air fryer basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Coat the chicken thoroughly in a seasoned flour mixture, dip in beaten eggs, and then press into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for maximum crispiness. A quick spray with olive oil from a TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black helps achieve a beautiful golden finish.
Serving Tips to Complete the Meal
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after air frying for the juices to settle. Slice and serve atop a crisp salad, use in wraps, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal. For fresh leftover storage, keep any extras in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup).
A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of light honey-mustard sauce adds a bright finishing touch!
Nutritional Information and Portions
This recipe yields 4 hearty Parmesan crusted chicken servings. Each portion contains approximately 320–360 calories, depending on size and toppings. Expect about 33g protein, 17g carbs, and 12g fat per slice—a deliciously well-balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Recap: Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This air fryer Parmesan chicken is crispy, cheesy, and endlessly versatile. It delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors with less oil and less fuss—perfect for anyone seeking a healthier comfort food or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F. Line the basket with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
- Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to finely chop parsley or garlic, if desired.
- Combine panko, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Place flour in a separate bowl. In a third bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat each chicken cutlet first in flour (shaking off excess), then dip into egg, and finally press into the Parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring the coating sticks well.
- Arrange the coated chicken cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Use the TrendPlain 16oz/470ml Olive Oil Sprayer for Cooking to lightly mist the tops with olive oil.
- Air fry for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature; use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Enjoy your crispy, golden, Parmesan crusted chicken—flavor-packed, light, and ready in under 30 minutes!
