Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crunchy, golden delight that’s bursting with cheesy flavor. The chicken gets a crispy coating thanks to the parmesan and breadcrumbs, all cooked quickly in the air fryer for a perfectly tender inside and crispy outside. It’s like your favorite fried chicken but lighter and way easier to make at home.
I love making this chicken when I want something satisfying but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The air fryer does most of the work, and the parmesan adds such a great flavor that keeps everyone asking for seconds. A simple tip I have is to make sure you pat the chicken dry before coating it so the crust sticks really well.
My favorite way to enjoy this crispy chicken is served with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies on the side. It’s also great sliced up on a sandwich or tossed over pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. Whenever I’m in a rush but want something delicious, this recipe always hits the spot and makes me feel like I cooked a fancy meal without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless breasts helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer, chicken tenders or thighs work well too, but thighs may take a bit longer.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and helps create a crispy crust. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute.
Panko breadcrumbs: These are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, perfect for an airy crunch. You can use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes to keep it gluten-free.
Spices: Garlic powder and paprika add warmth and depth to the coating. Feel free to add dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a twist.
Eggs: Eggs act as glue, helping the coating stick well. For an egg-free option, try a mixture of mustard and water or a dairy-free milk with a little flour.
How Do You Get the Chicken Coating Super Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Achieving a crispy crust with the air fryer is all about preparation and timing. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Pat dry: Make sure the chicken is dry before dipping in egg. This helps the coating stick better.
- Coat well: Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly so it sticks and forms a solid crust.
- Add oil: Brushing or spraying the coated chicken lightly with oil helps the crust brown and crisp up in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd: Place pieces in a single layer with space around them, so hot air can circulate and crisp all sides.
- Flip once: Turn the chicken halfway through cooking to get an even golden crust on both sides.
Following these tips will give you a crispy outside and juicy inside every time! Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving so juices redistribute and the crust stays crisp.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it cooks the chicken evenly and makes it crispy without much oil.
- Shallow dishes or bowls – for the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture, making coating easy and mess-free.
- Tongs or a fork – helps dip and turn the chicken without burning fingers.
- Meat thermometer – to check when the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and perfect doneness.
- Cooking spray or brush – for lightly coating the chicken with oil to enhance crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add Italian herbs or dried basil to the breadcrumb mix for a garden-fresh taste.
- Try swapping Parmesan with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
- Sautéed garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika can spice up the coating.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tender, juicier results.
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: dipping sauce such as ranch or garlic aioli
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 16-18 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy your crispy Parmesan chicken in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Air Fryer and Chicken:
Start by heating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Slice thick chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets for even and quicker cooking.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, mix grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first in the egg, letting any extra drip off, then press carefully into the Parmesan breadcrumb mix until well coated. To help crisp it up, brush or spray both sides lightly with olive oil.
4. Air Fry the Chicken:
Place coated chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure the pieces don’t overlap. Cook for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy your crispy, cheesy chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken first. Thaw overnight in the fridge or place the sealed chicken in cold water for a quicker method. Pat dry thoroughly before coating to ensure the crust sticks well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crunchiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Just make sure your Parmesan and spices are also gluten-free.
What Can I Serve With Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. It’s also delicious sliced over pasta or in a sandwich for a quick meal.