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The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

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  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Easy chicken recipes

Description

How to make crispy golden-brown Parmesan crusted chicken in your air fryer that’s ready in under 30 minutes and your family will absolutely love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken & Breading Foundation:
  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Flavor & Seasoning:
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Essential Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Cooking & Serving Enhancements:
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with Panko, Parmesan, and seasonings. This sets the stage for our Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
  2. Mix Breading: In the flour dish, combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the Panko dish, mix Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Whisk the eggs in the second dish until smooth.
  3. Dredge Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip in the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring a complete, even coating for maximum crispiness.
  4. Air Fry Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the breaded chicken with olive oil and place in a single layer. Cook this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
  5. Check Doneness: Ensure the internal temperature of your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. If not, cook for a few more minutes. Let the chicken rest briefly for juiciness.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Transfer your perfectly cooked Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Enjoy this delicious meal!

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer and pound chicken to ½-inch even thickness for perfectly crispy, evenly cooked results.

Store cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.

Substitute all-purpose flour and Panko with gluten-free alternatives for a delicious gluten-free version.

Serve hot and fresh, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges, alongside a crisp side salad or marinara pasta.

Bread chicken up to one day ahead and refrigerate uncovered on a wire rack; cook just before serving for optimal crispiness.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Eggs, Gluten