Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese creates a delicious crust without the need for frying in oil.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or parsley leaves (to garnish)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
2. Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 fillets.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound into even pieces using a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Spread this mixture evenly over each chicken fillet.
5. Step 5: In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Coat each fillet in the mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Shake off any excess.
6. Step 6: Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking (after 5-6 minutes) using tongs.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley leaves before serving. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy chicken!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture for a subtle kick.
• Try substituting the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter coating.
• Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and crispy results.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 87 reviews

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful coating with a tender and juicy interior. Using fresh parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, the chicken is coated in a garlicky, seasoned mayo mixture before air frying to golden perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and satisfying.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Chicken

• 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets)

Coating Mixture

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt to taste

Crust

• 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) to ensure that it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken evenly and quickly.
2. Prepare Chicken Fillets: Slice the 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to make 4 fillets in total. Place the chicken on a cutting board, cover it with plastic wrap, and pound each piece to an even thickness using a rolling pin or meat tenderizer for uniform cooking.
3. Make the Mayo Mixture and Coat Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Divide this mixture evenly among the chicken fillets and spread it all over each piece to create a flavorful base.
4. Prepare Parmesan Crust: In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and fresh grated parmesan cheese thoroughly. Dredge each mayo-coated chicken fillet into this parmesan mixture, pressing gently with tongs to ensure it sticks well. Coat both sides and shake off any excess.
5. Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken fillets into the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking at around 5-6 minutes to ensure even crisping on both sides.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and garnish with fresh oregano or parsley leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking and crisping.
• Using fresh parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will give a better flavor and texture to the crust.
• You can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though the flavor slightly changes.
• The optional garlic powder adds extra depth but can be omitted if you prefer a milder garlic taste.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs for garnish, dried parsley or oregano sprinkled on top after cooking works too.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipes, Crispy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Italian Chicken