Description
This crispy air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken delivers a golden, crunchy coating with juicy, tender meat inside—without the need for deep frying. Coated in a seasoned Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, this chicken is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect main dish for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with salads, pastas, or vegetables.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Olive oil spray
Instructions
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In a separate bowl, combine the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, then press into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Press firmly to help the coating stick.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help with browning.
Air fry at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Using thin cutlets ensures quick and even cooking. Grated Parmesan gives the best texture and flavor—avoid using powdered varieties. For extra crispiness, spray a light mist of oil halfway through cooking. This recipe can easily be doubled, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.