Irresistible Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This irresistible Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick, easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without frying in oil. The golden crust of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs adds perfect crunch while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian herbs until well combined.
- Step 3: Lightly coat each chicken breast with olive oil, then dip into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to fully coat each piece.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Step 5: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite sides or sauces.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best taste and browning.
- Try dipping the chicken in beaten egg before coating for a thicker crust.
- Pair with a simple garlic aioli or marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper crust formation in the air fryer.
What side dishes go well with Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes make excellent sides. Pasta with marinara or a light lemon rice also complements the flavors nicely.
PrintIrresistible Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This Irresistible Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy breadcrumb crust. Using the air fryer ensures a perfectly golden texture without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier and convenient meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Other
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Mix well to distribute all flavors evenly.
- Coat the chicken: Lightly brush or rub each chicken breast with olive oil to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere. Then dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating fully covers the surface of the chicken.
- Arrange in air fryer basket: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow proper air circulation for even crisping.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve hot with your choice of sides or sauces for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of salt and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture if desired.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pound them gently if needed.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used but may yield a less crispy crust.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken breasts and air fryer model.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Crispy Chicken Breast, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Easy Air Fryer Dinner
