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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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