Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is the weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. It’s golden, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs for a flavor-packed meal that feels gourmet but takes under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture this is the secret to that irresistible crunch.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub this flavorful mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Step 3: Coat with Crunch
In another shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Press each chicken breast into the mixture until fully coated on all sides.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, lightly spray with olive oil, and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), your chicken is ready. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon or over a bed of salad for a light, crispy meal.
Quick Tip:
For extra crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket air circulation is key!
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
- Air fryer Basket-style or oven-style
- Tongs For flipping
- Instant-read thermometer Check 165°F (74°C)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels for better browning and crunch.
- Mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub evenly over chicken.
- Combine Parmesan and panko in a shallow bowl. Press chicken into mixture to coat all sides.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange chicken in a single layer; spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest briefly, then serve.