Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick dinner favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have golden chicken that feels indulgent yet healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer parmesan crusted chicken gives you the crunch of fried chicken without deep frying. The air fryer keeps it juicy inside and crispy outside. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for weeknights. You can serve it with salads, veggies, or even tuck it into sandwiches. Kids love it, and adults enjoy the flavor boost from Parmesan and garlic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll need two large boneless skinless chicken breasts, mayonnaise, minced garlic, seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil spray. Panko is best here because it gives the crunchiest texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have. Fresh garlic gives the most flavor, though jarred minced garlic also works if you need convenience. Don’t skip the Parmesan; it adds a savory, nutty bite. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top finishes everything with a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you get four thin pieces. Place each one between plastic wrap and pound lightly until the thickness is even. This helps them cook faster and evenly.

Coat with garlic mayonnaise

Mix mayonnaise with minced garlic. Spread this mixture over each chicken piece so it covers completely. This step locks in moisture and helps the breadcrumbs stick.

Bread the chicken

In a shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Press each chicken piece firmly into the mixture until both sides are coated well.

Air fry to golden perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the chicken inside without overlapping. Cook at 390°F for 8 minutes, flip, spray lightly again, and cook 5–7 minutes more. The chicken should be golden and crispy.

Serve and garnish

Let the chicken rest for a minute before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and an extra touch of Parmesan if you like.

Tips for Success

Make sure the chicken is fully coated in mayo so the crumbs stick. Spray the basket before cooking and again after flipping to keep pieces from sticking. Don’t overcrowd the basket or the chicken won’t crisp properly. Use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for the best crunch. Always check doneness after flipping to avoid over-browning.

Cooking Times and Temperature

The best results come from cooking at 390°F for about 15 minutes total. Flip halfway for even crisping. If you’re making chicken tenders instead, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook 5–6 minutes per side.

Can You Use Breading in an Air Fryer?

Yes, breadcrumbs work wonderfully in the air fryer. Light coatings like this one turn golden and crunchy. However, heavy wet batters don’t work well because they won’t crisp up and may drip through the basket. Stick with dry coatings for success.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. It’s also delicious sliced over a fresh salad or tucked into a sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomato. For dinner, try it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This keeps it crispy, unlike the microwave, which makes it soggy. Leftovers are also great sliced up for sandwiches the next day.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. You get juicy chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust in just 30 minutes. Try it for dinner this week, or make extra for meal prep. It’s one of those simple air fryer recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

For even more delicious ideas, check out More Air Fryer Recipes. You can also see our Recent Recipes or browse For More Recipes. And if you’re a visual cook, you’ll find plenty of inspiration on Pinterest.