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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 24 reviews

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers a deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken breast coated with a crunchy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, this healthier alternative to fried chicken is quick to prepare and cooks perfectly in an air fryer, making it juicy on the inside and golden brown outside without the extra oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Seasoning

  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Crust

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Finishing

  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust in the air fryer.
  2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken breast to infuse flavor and help the coating stick.
  3. Make the breadcrumb mixture: In another bowl, mix together the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs until evenly combined.
  4. Coat the chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure a full, even coating over the surface of the chicken.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  6. Arrange and spray: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness.
  7. Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer design allows, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Make sure to pat the chicken dry to get the crispiest crust.
  • Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding for even crisping.
  • You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a hint of heat.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken breast, healthy fried chicken, Italian seasoning chicken