Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated with a crispy, cheesy crust, all made in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Table of Contents

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For Serving (Optional):

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set Up Three Bowls: In one bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the Dijon mustard. In the second bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The third bowl will remain empty for easy transfer.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated chicken on a plate or a baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken breasts.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Arrange the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air Fry: Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, panko breadcrumbs are recommended. They create a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 38g

Conclusion

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this dish is perfect for serving alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the flavors of fried chicken without the guilt, and make this easy recipe a staple in your weekly dinner rotation!

Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!