Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to a Crispy, Juicy, and Healthy Dinner
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick, healthy, and delicious option for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy blend of Parmesan cheese, herbs, and panko breadcrumbs, then air-fried to golden perfection. This recipe delivers classic comfort flavors with less oil and minimal effort—perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Olive oil spray
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and crisp up better. -
Season
In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a small drizzle of olive oil. Rub this mixture evenly over each chicken breast. -
Coat
In a separate bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Press each chicken breast into the mixture until fully coated. -
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. -
Cook
Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil.
Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). -
Serve
Remove from the air fryer and serve hot.
Notes
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and crispiness.
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Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
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For extra crunch, spray the chicken lightly with olive oil before cooking.
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Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.