Name: Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten; Olive oil spray, for air fryer basket and tops of chicken

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 32 reviews

If you’re craving that perfect combo of juicy chicken with a crunchy, cheesy crust but want to keep it quick and fuss-free, this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s crazy easy to pull together, and the air fryer gives you that golden, crunchy coating without the grease or mess of frying. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked chicken any other way!

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Why This Recipe Works

Speedy Cooking: The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly while still delivering a crispy crust, perfect for busy weeknights.
Crunchy & Flavorful: Combining Parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs gives a beautiful, savory crust with amazing texture.
Healthier Alternative: You get that fried chicken delight without deep frying, so it’s lighter but still indulgent.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and basic spices come together to make a surprisingly impressive meal.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, healthy chicken recipes, easy air fryer chicken, crunchy baked chicken, quick dinner ideas - Inside a black air fryer basket, there are three pieces of breaded and cooked chicken, each with a golden brown crunchy coating that has some darker crispy spots. The pieces are uneven in shape, with one noticeably larger and placed near the bottom center, while the other two are smaller and positioned toward the top left and right corners. Small crumbs and bits of the coating are scattered around the chicken on the base of the basket, which has a slightly shiny black metal grid design and ventilation holes. The scene is brightly lit, showing texture details of the crispy surface and the basket's interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in my Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is chosen to pack both flavor and texture. Parmesan adds that yummy umami punch, while Panko breadcrumbs provide an irresistible crunch. Plus, simple seasonings elevate the taste without overpowering the chicken. Here’s a quick rundown so you know why each part matters before diving in:

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, healthy chicken recipes, easy air fryer chicken, crunchy baked chicken, quick dinner ideas - Flat lay of two large raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small heap of golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white bowl filled with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl with fine garlic powder, a small white bowl with coarse Kosher salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Opt for large, boneless, skinless pieces to ensure juicy meat and quick, even cooking in the air fryer.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor and helps form a savory crust that crisps up perfectly.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs—key for that crunch.
Italian seasoning: Adds a nice herbaceous kick without needing a bunch of separate spices.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory depth and balances nicely with the cheese.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken through.
Egg: Acts like glue, helping the breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the chicken for an even coating.
Olive oil spray: Just a light spritz ensures the crust crisps without getting greasy or soggy in the air fryer.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but you can easily switch things up based on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. A little customization never hurts, right? Here’s how I sometimes make it my own or help friends adapt it when they ask:

Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix gives it a lively bite; I often do this when I want a little heat without going full buffalo chicken.
Herb Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, fresh chopped herbs like parsley and basil work beautifully — I recommend tossing some on after cooking for a fresh finish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Panko crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers so everyone can enjoy it.
Cheese Variations: A mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano gives a sharper edge that I love occasionally for extra flavor depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

I always start by preheating my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes—this little step makes sure the chicken starts cooking right away and helps get that crust crispy. While the air fryer warms up, you can prep your coating and chicken.

Step 2: Mix the Crispy Parmesan Coating

In a shallow dish, I combine the grated Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these up ahead lets you have a tasty, herb-packed crust that sticks evenly to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat Chicken in Egg, Then Breadcrumb Mixture

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg first—don’t rush this or your coating won’t stick well. Let any excess egg drip off before pressing the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, so the crust completely covers each piece. This “pressing” step makes a huge difference to get that satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer without crowding, then give the tops a quick spritz of olive oil too. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip gently and cook for another 5-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust turns golden and crispy. The hallmark is an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let the chicken rest a minute after it comes out of the air fryer—this keeps it juicy. Then, slice against the grain and get ready to dig into that crispy, cheesy goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Press: Firmly press the breadcrumb mix into the chicken; this helps the crust stick and crisps up beautifully.
Single Layer Magic: Avoid overcrowding the basket to let the air circulate fully, which creates even browning and crispiness.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I always check to 165°F so the chicken is safe and juicy, never overcooked or dry.
Spray That Oil Lightly: A quick spritz before and after coating keeps the crust crisp without making it greasy.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, healthy chicken recipes, easy air fryer chicken, crunchy baked chicken, quick dinner ideas - A white plate with three main parts: on the right, a sliced golden brown crispy breaded chicken, showing white meat inside with some crumbs scattered around; at the top left, fresh green and purple leafy salad with soft, wavy leaves; at the bottom left, a small metal bowl filled with a thick, yellow creamy sauce that has a slightly grainy texture. The plate is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon juice on top brightens all those rich flavors really nicely. Oh, and a little extra Parmesan on the side never hurts!

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies. I’ve also served it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto for a heartier meal that impresses every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like slicing the Parmesan chicken and laying it over a bed of buttery pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. Another fun trick: make mini sandwiches with crusty rolls, a smear of aioli, and some arugula for an easy party snack everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for 3-4 days, and I find keeping the crust on keeps them tasty and moist even after chilling.

Freezing

After cooling completely, I wrap each piece tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap, then place them in freezer bags. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When I plan ahead, freezing is a game changer for quick meals later.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, which refreshes the crispiness far better than the microwave. This way, they taste almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and you might need to adjust cooking time slightly. Because thighs are thicker and fattier, I suggest checking for doneness a bit earlier and potentially cooking a few minutes longer to ensure they’re cooked through.
Do I need to use oil spray when air frying this chicken?

Yes, a light spray of olive oil helps the crumb coating crisp up beautifully and prevents sticking. Using too much oil defeats the purpose of air frying, so just a few spritzes is perfect.
What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs? Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

You can, but Panko breadcrumbs create a much crunchier texture due to their coarse, flaky structure. Regular breadcrumbs tend to be finer and may yield a softer crust, but it’ll still taste great!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken—it should read 165°F (74°C). The crust will be golden, and juices should run clear when cut.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?

For sure! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to keep the chicken pieces spaced out for even crisping.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, tasty, and just a little bit special. It feels like a treat without the hassle—and I know you’ll love how simple it is to make with everyday ingredients. So next time you’re in the mood for golden, crunchy chicken that’s bursting with flavor, give this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy it!