Description
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish featuring boneless chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer to achieve a golden, crunchy crust without deep frying, this recipe is a healthier, quick alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil for misting
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better during cooking.
- Prepare Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly until well beaten.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly to form an even coating.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking the chicken evenly and crisping the crust.
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow proper air circulation.
- Mist with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray or olive oil to enhance crispiness and promote golden browning.
- Cook: Air fry the chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps retain juices and keeps the chicken moist.
Notes
- For even cooking, choose chicken breasts of similar size and thickness or consider pounding them to uniform thickness.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer, substitute cooking spray with a light drizzle of olive oil to achieve similar crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American