Here’s a crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Chicken recipe—juicy inside, golden outside, and super easy
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 2–3 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Optional: fresh parsley or lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prep Chicken
- Pat chicken dry
- Pound to even thickness if needed for even cooking
2. Prepare Coating
- In one bowl: beat the egg
- In another bowl: mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
3. Coat Chicken
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then press into Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly
4. Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F)
- Lightly spray chicken with olive oil or cooking spray
- Place chicken in a single layer in the basket
- Cook 10–12 minutes, flip halfway, until golden and internal temp 75°C (165°F)
5. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges
- Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, or pasta
Pro Tips
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary
- For more flavor, mix in Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) with the Parmesan coating
- Optional: drizzle a little melted butter on chicken before air frying for golden color
Variations
- Spicy Parmesan: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the coating
- Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest to the Parmesan mixture
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella under the coating for a gooey layer
- Low-carb: Skip breadcrumbs and just use Parmesan + herbs