Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipes - Best Chicken Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 eggs, beaten; Cooking spray

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I’ll be honest, I didn’t grow up with an air fryer in my kitchen. But once I tried making chicken in it, I felt like I had been missing out on something special. This air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is one of those chicken recipes that actually makes weeknights easier. The crust gets golden and crisp while the inside stays juicy, which is exactly what I want when I’m too tired to fuss with a skillet of oil. Here’s the thing: chicken air fryer recipes aren’t just convenient, they also feel a bit lighter, and I like knowing I’m saving myself from all that extra grease. I mean, who doesn’t love fried chicken without the mess? And yes, I’ve tested this against my old oven-baked version, and trust me, the air fryer wins. So if you’re after air fryer recipes chicken lovers will crave, or you’ve been searching for that one chicken recipe air fryer fans swear by, this is it. Think of it as a simplified twist on the longhorn parmesan crusted chicken recipe, only you get to enjoy it at home without changing out of your comfy clothes. Out of all the air fryer recipes I’ve made, this one still tops the list for flavor and simplicity. Once you try it, I bet it’ll sneak into your weekly rotation without you even noticing.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
4) How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
6) Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

If I had to pick one recipe to keep on hand for busy evenings, this air fryer parmesan crusted chicken would be at the top. It’s crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and it never takes more than half an hour from start to finish. I love that it feels indulgent without the heavy grease of pan frying.

With only a handful of ingredients, most of which you already have in your pantry, this recipe saves you a last-minute grocery store trip. That means dinner on the table faster and fewer dishes to wash later. I think we can all agree that’s a win.

If you’ve been curious about chicken recipes that shine in an air fryer, this one deserves your attention. From weekday meals to family dinners, it’s a dish that works anywhere and keeps everyone happy around the table.

2) Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Every time I make this, I’m reminded of how much I appreciate meals that don’t require a culinary degree to pull off. The steps are straightforward, the prep is minimal, and you get a crunchy golden crust that would make any restaurant jealous.

What sets this apart from other chicken recipes is how well the air fryer handles the crust. The heat circulates around each piece, locking in moisture while crisping the parmesan and breadcrumbs. It’s almost like magic, only it happens right on your countertop.

This recipe also feels flexible. Sometimes I serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, other times with a fresh salad. And on those nights when carbs are calling, I’ll pile it next to mashed potatoes. It works every way I try it.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Chicken Breasts: I like to slice them lengthwise so they cook evenly. A thicker cut might stay raw inside while the crust turns too dark, so splitting them works better.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan makes the flavor sharper and the crust more fragrant. Pre-grated will work in a pinch, but the payoff from grating it yourself is worth the extra minute.

Panko Breadcrumbs: These create the crunchy texture. Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but panko gives a lighter, crispier finish that clings to the chicken beautifully.

Garlic Powder: This adds flavor without overpowering the parmesan. It gives the crust a little depth, the kind you notice after a few bites.

Paprika: It brings color and a gentle warmth. I use sweet paprika, but smoked paprika adds a whole other layer if you want a twist.

Eggs: Beaten eggs help the crumbs and cheese stick to the chicken. Without them, the crust just falls apart mid-bite.

Salt and Pepper: The basics, but they matter. They wake up the other ingredients and make the flavors stand out.

Cooking Spray: A quick spritz helps the crust turn golden. It’s that simple little step that makes everything look and taste better.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. This small step helps the chicken cook evenly from the start, rather than warming up along with the machine.

Step 2. Mix parmesan, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I usually stir with a fork so everything blends well.

Step 3. Dip each piece of chicken into the eggs, then press them into the parmesan mixture. I try to coat every side, even the edges, so no bite feels plain.

Step 4. Place chicken in the air fryer basket. Don’t stack them, or they’ll steam instead of crisp. A little space between each piece makes all the difference.

Step 5. Spray the tops with cooking spray and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to keep the crust evenly browned and crunchy.

Step 6. Check that the chicken is cooked through, then serve right away. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor, but dipping sauces also work well here.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Don’t overcrowd the basket. I learned this the hard way when half my pieces turned soggy. Cooking in two small batches makes the results far better than forcing them all in at once.

Check the thickness of your chicken. Thin slices cook fast and stay tender. Thick cuts need extra time, but then the crust risks burning. Cutting them evenly saves you stress later.

Experiment with spices. Sometimes I add Italian seasoning to the crust, other times a little cayenne for heat. This recipe works as a base, and you can make it your own with simple tweaks.

6) Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ahead of Time

On days when I know dinner will be rushed, I prep the chicken earlier. I’ll coat each piece with parmesan and crumbs, then store them on a tray in the fridge. They’re ready to pop into the air fryer later, which saves time when everyone’s hungry.

If I plan to cook ahead, I usually pull them out about 20 minutes before air frying. That way the chill comes off and the chicken cooks more evenly. A quick spray of oil before cooking helps refresh the crust.

It’s also possible to cook them fully and reheat later. The crust won’t be quite as crisp, but the flavor holds up well and makes leftovers taste almost as good as fresh.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

When I have extras, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about three days. Any longer, and the crust starts to soften too much.

For reheating, the air fryer comes to the rescue again. A few minutes at 350°F brings the crunch back. Microwaving is faster but doesn’t give the same texture.

Sometimes I slice leftovers for salads or sandwiches. They add protein, a bit of crunch, and keep lunches from feeling boring. It’s one of those small perks of making this recipe often.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe