Simple Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe to Enjoy

Crispy air fryer parmesan chicken brings a delightful twist to classic comfort food that converts ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal preparation.

Tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, crunchy parmesan crust promise restaurant-quality results straight from your kitchen appliance.

The magic happens when breadcrumbs and cheese create an irresistibly crisp exterior that seals in all the succulent juices.

Healthier than traditional deep-frying, this method reduces excess oil while maintaining maximum flavor intensity.

Weeknight dinners gain a gourmet upgrade with this simple yet impressive technique that requires just a few pantry staples.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp texture and rich, savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken That’s Golden and Juicy

• Quick Crispy Delight: Transform ordinary chicken breast into a golden, crunchy masterpiece using an air fryer, delivering restaurant-quality texture without excess oil.
• Effortless Gourmet Meal: Achieve professional-looking results with simple steps that even beginners can master, requiring minimal cooking skills and just a few basic ingredients.
• Healthy Comfort Classic: Enjoy a lighter version of traditional fried chicken that cuts down on calories while maintaining incredible flavor and satisfying crunch through smart air frying techniques.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when cooked properly, best when fresh and without visible fat.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken, providing moisture and richness.

• Breadcrumbs, Salt, Pepper: Create crispy exterior with classic seasoning, breadcrumbs add texture and golden color.
• Olive Oil Spray, Cooking Spray: Helps achieve crispy golden surface and prevents sticking in air fryer.

• Lemon: Adds bright, fresh citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of fried chicken, enhances overall taste.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Provides extra savory flavor and additional crispy texture to the chicken coating.

How to Make Parmesan Chicken in the Air Fryer Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 2 even pieces. Pat chicken dry with a clean kitchen towel. Use a meat mallet to flatten chicken for uniform thickness if needed.

Step 2: Create Coating Station

• Breadcrumbs (in a shallow bowl)
• Eggs
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk eggs with salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken piece into whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer

Set air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Air Fry Chicken

Arrange breaded chicken in a single layer inside air fryer basket. Spray chicken pieces with additional olive oil spray. Cook for 6-7 minutes.

Carefully flip chicken pieces. Spray opposite side with olive oil spray. Cook for additional 4-5 minutes.

Confirm chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Garnish with fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with extra salt and pepper. Slice and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Getting That Perfect Crunch on Parmesan Chicken

• Slice Smartly: Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, more uniform pieces for even cooking and faster preparation.
• Dry Completely: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat chicken dry, ensuring maximum crispiness and better breading adhesion.
• Press Breading Firmly: Gently but firmly press breadcrumbs onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy coating that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer with space between them to guarantee perfect crispiness and even air circulation.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing both safety and juicy, tender meat.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Parmesan Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each piece separately to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Reheating: Revive the crispy texture by using the air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the breading soggy. Spritz lightly with olive oil before reheating to help restore the golden crunch.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming and preserve the delicious parmesan coating.

Delicious Pairings for Parmesan Chicken in the Air Fryer

• Pair with Zesty Lemon Salad: Create a bright, tangy side salad with mixed greens, fresh lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to complement the crispy chicken's richness.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the breading's richness and enhance the chicken's delicate flavor profile.
• Serve alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini with herbs to add nutrition and balance the meal's texture.
• Drizzle with Garlic Aioli: Whip up a quick homemade garlic aioli as a dipping sauce to add creamy, tangy depth to the crispy parmesan chicken.

Flavorful Variations of Parmesan Chicken to Explore

• Herbaceous Parmesan Chicken: Add fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Chicken: Mix chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs, then top with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes after cooking for extra kick.
• Garlic Parmesan Crunch: Incorporate grated garlic and extra parmesan cheese directly into the breadcrumb coating, creating a more intense and crispy exterior.
• Gluten-Free Almond Coating: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with crushed almond meal and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a nutty, crunchy alternative that's perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken delivers restaurant-quality comfort with minimal effort. Crunchy breadcrumbs and savory Parmesan cheese create a golden exterior that seals in juicy, tender chicken for a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 ounces/140–170 grams each) – or 4 thin sliced chicken breasts

Breading and Seasoning:

• 2 cups seasoned parmesan breadcrumbs – or make your own, see notes below
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray – for extra crispy chicken (non-aerosol)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 lemon
• Parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the center, creating two even cutlets. Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the chicken surfaces, eliminating excess moisture for optimal crispiness.
2. Prepare two separate shallow dishes: one for whisked eggs seasoned with salt and black pepper, and another for breadcrumbs. Dunk each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then transfer to the breadcrumbs.
3. Gently press breadcrumbs onto the chicken, creating a uniform, adherent coating. Rotate and press to guarantee full and even breading on both sides of each cutlet.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote golden browning.
5. Arrange breaded chicken pieces in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray the chicken’s surface with additional olive oil to enhance crispiness.
6. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip each cutlet. Spritz the opposite side with olive oil spray and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes.
7. Verify doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
8. Serve the crispy parmesan chicken with a fresh lemon wedge and optional additional seasoning to taste.

Notes

• Master the art of slicing chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent cooking and perfectly crispy results.
• Pat chicken dry thoroughly to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to lock in maximum flavor and achieve a golden, crisp coating.
• Spray chicken with olive oil before air frying to enhance browning and prevent sticking in the basket.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg