Introduction
Air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken is a flavorful and crispy dish that delivers the texture of traditional breaded chicken with far less oil. The chicken is coated in a seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture and air fried until golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight meal while still being hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(or 4 small chicken breasts or chicken cutlets)
Coating Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated works best)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Shallow dishes for breading
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents the coating from burning before the chicken is done.
Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth.
Breading the Chicken
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Press gently so the coating adheres well.
Place the breaded chicken on a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the coating stick during cooking.
Air Frying Instructions
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for air circulation. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the chicken with oil to help achieve a golden crust.
Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken carefully, spray the other side lightly with oil, and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
The chicken is done when:
- The crust is golden brown and crisp
- The internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F)
- The juices run clear when cut
Step 6: Rest the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad
- Pair with pasta and marinara sauce for a Parmesan-style meal
- Slice and use in wraps, sandwiches, or salads
Tips for Best Results
- Finely grated Parmesan creates a better crust than shredded cheese.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Spraying lightly with oil improves browning and crispiness.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Variations
- Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the coating.
- Herb Parmesan Chicken: Add fresh chopped basil or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Cheesy Crust: Increase Parmesan to 3/4 cup for a thicker coating.
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