If you’re anything like me, a busy working mom, who needs a quick dinner that actually tastes like you put in the effort, then this air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is it. The outside is perfectly crispy and golden while the inside stays juicy and tender. The best part? It’s ready in about 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just need an easy weeknight dinner, this air fryer chicken recipe is one you’ll turn to time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What you’ll need for this recipe:
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray or lightly brush with oil.
- In a wide bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and set aside.
- Brush both sides with the aioli.
Dip the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it into the chicken. - Place the chicken into the basket of the air fryer, making sure none of the chicken is touching. Work in batches if you have to.
- Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the crust is golden brown.
Recipe Tips
Chicken Thickness: Thin-sliced chicken will take less time.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each breast space for the air to circulate. This will help to make it extra crispy.
Spread the mayo on thick so the breadcrumb mixture stick: Be sure to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure the crumbs stick.
You can find garlic aioli with the mayo in your local grocery store. We used Primal Kitchen.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
How do I store my air fryer parmesan crusted chicken?
If you have leftover Parmesan crusted chicken, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. To reheat, add the chicken back to the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes at 400°F
Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes! This air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken is such a great make-ahead recipe. Make as directed and allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Place it on a baking sheet and pop it into the freezer for about 2 hours or up to overnight. Transfer the frozen solid chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag and keep frozen for 2-3 months.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin, lengthwise)
- 1/4 cup garlic aioli
- chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray or lightly brush with oil.
- In a wide mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Brush both sides of each chicken breast with aioli.
- Dip the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it into the chicken.
- Spray both sides of each breast with cooking spray (optional).
- Place the chicken into the basket of the air fryer, making sure to evenly space out and the chicken isn't touching.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the crust is golden brown.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, and serve.
Notes:
- Thin-sliced chicken will take less time, try 4 min/side (did not test, but these are significantly thinner).
- Spread the mayo on thick so everything sticks really well.
- Make sure you press the crumbs into the chicken, or else they’ll fall off.
- Be sure the chicken isn’t overlapping when you put it in the air fryer. Air fryers use the circulation of air to crisp up the food, so work in batches to leave room for air flow if you need to.
- I found garlic aioli with the mayo in my grocery store. We used Primal Kitchen.
NUTRITION:
