Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful chicken dish that’s coated with golden parmesan and seasoning. The air fryer gives it a perfectly crispy crust without needing a lot of oil, making it a lighter way to enjoy fried chicken. Each bite features a wonderful crunch with a cheesy, herby taste that makes it super satisfying.
I love making this recipe when I want something quick but still impressive. The air fryer does most of the work, and the parmesan crust creates a nice, crispy layer without the hassle of deep-frying. I usually sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top just before cooking for that extra punch of cheesiness. It always turns out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, which is exactly what I’m looking for.
This chicken is perfect served with a side of fresh salad, steamed veggies, or even some warm garlic bread. I find it’s a great meal for busy weeknights or when friends come over because it looks and tastes special but is really easy to prepare. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty the next day, making it a winner all around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless skinless breasts is great for quick, even cooking. Try thin-cut or pounded chicken for an even crust. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work too but adjust cooking time.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds rich, cheesy flavor and helps crisp the crust. For a milder taste, Romano or Asiago are nice swaps.
Panko breadcrumbs: Panko creates a light, airy crunch. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work but might be less crispy.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning bring great flavor to the crust. You can swap Italian seasoning for herbs like thyme or rosemary if you prefer.
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick well to the chicken. For an egg-free option, try using buttermilk or a mix of yogurt and a little water.
How to Get a Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Crust?
The secret to a crispy crust lies in how you coat and cook the chicken. Here are some tips:
- Pat the chicken dry before dipping in eggs. Moisture can prevent crispiness.
- Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so it sticks well. Thicker coating means crunchier crust.
- Lightly spray both the air fryer basket and chicken tops. This helps the crust brown without drying out.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give each piece room for hot air to circulate, ensuring even crisping.
- Flip halfway through cooking to get a crust all around.
- Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before cutting to keep juices locked in.
Following these steps helps achieve a golden, crunchy coating with juicy chicken inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it gives you crispy chicken without much oil.
- Shallow bowls or plates – for coating the chicken with eggs and breadcrumb mixture.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – helpful to pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Tongs or a fork – makes coating the chicken easier and keeps your hands clean.
- Cooking spray – helps the crust crisp up nicely and prevents sticking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne or red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use different cheeses like Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for new flavor notes.
- Mix in chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for extra freshness.
- Try adding a touch of lemon zest in the coating for a bright, zingy flavor.
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), pounded to even thickness
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or any preferred)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Allow an extra 3-5 minutes to let the chicken rest before serving. In total, plan for around 25-30 minutes from start to finish for a quick and delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Air Fryer and Coatings:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats up, whisk the eggs in a shallow dish until well blended. In another shallow dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken Breasts:
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, press the chicken firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, making sure the coating covers all sides evenly for a nice, crispy crust.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray as well. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to lock in the juices. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and serve hot for a crunchy, cheesy, and delicious meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for best coating adhesion and crispiness.
Can I Make This Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. For cooked leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I Use Different Cheese or Breadcrumbs?
Sure! Romano or Asiago cheese are great alternatives to Parmesan. If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work but may result in a slightly different texture.
How Do I Keep the Crust Crispy When Reheating?
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crust soggy.
