Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful chicken with a golden parmesan and panko breadcrumb coating. It’s a quick and easy dish prepared in just 30 minutes using an air fryer for a healthier twist on classic fried chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 pieces total)
Dry Coating Mix
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Wet Ingredients
- 2 Eggs, beaten
Parmesan Coating Mix
- 1 cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese (or finely shredded)
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
Other
- Olive Oil Spray (or nonstick cooking spray)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating four thinner pieces. Place them between plastic wrap and pound each piece to about half-inch thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Prepare Coating Stations: In three separate shallow dishes, mix the flour with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in the first. Beat the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the grated parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Flour the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure both sides are coated evenly to help the egg adhere better.
- Dip in Egg: Next, dip the floured chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, coating all sides so the parmesan mixture sticks well later.
- Parmesan Coating: Press each chicken piece into the parmesan and panko mixture. Spoon additional mixture over the top and firmly press to create a thick, even crust on each piece.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for crisping the chicken.
- Prep the Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then carefully place the coated chicken pieces inside in a single layer without overlapping.
- Oil the Chicken: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil spray or nonstick spray to aid browning and crispiness.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken at 400°F for 6 minutes. Then, flip each piece over, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve warm alongside your favorite side dishes like salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are pounded to even thickness to cook uniformly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Spraying the chicken with oil helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without deep frying.
- Parmesan and panko can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
