Air Fryer Cheesy Parmesan Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and brush both sides with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat both sides of the chicken evenly with the Parmesan seasoning mixture.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for 3–6 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Buttered pasta or creamy Alfredo
- Rice or garlic bread
Tips
- For extra crispiness, add 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs to the Parmesan mixture.
- Thin chicken breasts cook more evenly; pound thicker pieces to an even thickness if needed.
- Try adding a slice of tomato before the mozzarella for a chicken Parmesan-inspired twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to keep the coating crispy.