Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Quick & Crispy)

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken offers a healthier and incredibly convenient take on classic breaded chicken. This recipe delivers crispy chicken with a cheesy, flavorful crust without deep-frying. It's a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights and comes together with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved or pounded thin
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray

Instructions

Prep and Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Mix the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the egg.
Bread Time: Dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.
Air Fry to Perfection: Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy! Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or pasta.

Tips

If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won't be as crisp.
Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).