Introduction

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful chicken breast without frying in oil. The golden parmesan and herb crust adds a delicious crunch that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

A black round plate holds a stack of five pieces of fried chicken with a golden-brown crispy crust. The chicken is cut in one piece, showing tender white meat inside, while the outside looks crunchy and textured with small bits of fried coating. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top and around the chicken, adding a fresh green color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and parts of greenery are visible in the blurred background, giving a fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
Step 3: Lightly coat each chicken breast with olive oil, then dip into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Step 5: Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip halfway through cooking for extra crispiness.
Step 6: Serve hot with your choice of sides or sauces.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
Try substituting the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even crisping.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness—avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows four pieces of golden brown breaded chicken on a white plate with a dark rim. The chicken has a crispy, textured crust with small green herb leaves sprinkled on top, adding a touch of green contrast. One piece is sliced open, showing the white, juicy inside of the chicken. A small bunch of fresh green herbs sits on the bottom right of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth partially visible on the top right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Parmesan crusted chicken?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful chicken breast that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, and Italian herbs adds a delicious crunchy crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Using an air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to traditional frying with less oil but maximum crispiness.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

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: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy crust.
Prepare the breading mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs until well mixed.
Coat the chicken: Lightly brush or rub each chicken breast with olive oil to help the breading adhere better. Then, press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are fully coated on all sides.
Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each for proper air circulation.
Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken breasts at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides or dipping sauces for a delicious meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil and Italian herbs for 30 minutes before breading.
Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and crispiness.
Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken has reached 165°F internally for food safety.
Can be served with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Keywords: air fryer chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken, healthy chicken recipe, Italian herbs chicken, panko crusted chicken