Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is a crispy, golden, and flavorful chicken dish. It’s incredibly easy to make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It has a crunchy Parmesan coating. The chicken inside is juicy and tender. It delivers all the taste of classic fried chicken without the extra oil or calories. Cooking in the air fryer gives the chicken a satisfying crunch. It also gives it a beautiful golden color. Meanwhile, it keeps the chicken light and guilt-free.
This dish starts with boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a seasoned mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. The result is a savory crust that locks in the moisture and adds rich, cheesy flavor to every bite. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken. It cooks evenly and quickly. This ensures a perfect crispy outside and juicy interior without deep frying.
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It’s also delicious sliced over pasta with marinara sauce or layered into a sandwich with fresh lettuce and tomato. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, try this recipe. It is a healthier choice to traditional fried chicken. It is tastier too.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast
- ▢ 2 large thick boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in halve lengthwise (to create 4 thinner-cut breast fillets; or 4 smaller breasts)*
- ▢ ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ▢ 2 large eggs, beaten
- ▢ 1 ½ cups finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing if desired
- ▢ 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- ▢ Lemon wedges, optional for garnishing
Instructions for Making Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast
- Preheat a large air fryer to 400 F. You can use a similar brand and model. Using a double basket air fryer prevents repeating steps 5 through 8.
- In a shallow dish or bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and stir to combine; set aside.
- To a separate medium bowl, add the eggs and whisk to combine; set aside.
- To a separate shallow bowl or dish, add the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and stir to combine; set aside..
- Dredge two of the chicken breast fillets in the flour mixture. Then, dip them through the eggs. Next, press into the Parmesan-breadcrumbs, making sure it adheres well.
- Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil cooking spray (or use an olive oil mister). Add the 2 breasts. Spray each of them on their exposed surface.
- Close the lid and air fry the chicken for 6 minutes.
- Open the machine and flip the chicken over using tongs. Spray the exposed surface with olive oil cooking spray. Cover it and cook for an extra 5 minutes or until done. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165F. Tips – I pull my chicken out at 155 to 160 F. The internal temp will continue to rise due to carryover cooking. This happens even out of or off the heat source. If you are unsure of when chicken is done, do not guess. Use a digital cooking thermometer.
- Repeat steps 5 through 8 with the two remaining breast fillets if you were using large breasts.
- After the chicken is air fried, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This ensures the natural juices stay inside when you slice into it.
- Optionally dust with extra Parmesan cheese and/or lemon wedges or any other favorite dip, dressing, or side dish. Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will also keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. Note that leftover chicken will not retain the same crispy fried texture that it has when it’s hot and fresh.
Note and Tips for the Best Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast
- Breadcrumbs: Make sure to use breadcrumbs or Japanese-style breadcrumbs, and not traditional breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs are essential to helping your chicken crisp up. Don’t skip them or confuse them with Italian-style or “regular” bread crumbs.I have many recipes that use breadcrumbs. Be sure to check those out if you’re wondering what to do with the rest of your box.
- Spray the basket and chicken breasts: When you’re about to air fry your chicken, spray the basket well. Use cooking spray to coat it thoroughly. I use olive oil cooking spray.And spray the chicken breasts themselves. This small amount of oil really helps the chicken crisp up. It also helps the chicken take on a nice golden fried chicken appearance. Alternatively, you can use an olive oil mister if you have one.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket:Cook your chicken in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the basket. The chicken needs space to “fry”. If it’s crowded, it will steam which produces soft chicken rather than crispy.
- Do not overcook your air fryer chicken. Air frying will give you the taste and texture of actual fried chicken. You will also get the mouthfeel of fried chicken. Nonetheless, it’s not a magician. If you overcook your chicken, it’ll still be dry and tough like any other overcooked chicken.
- A digital cooking thermometer is very handy if you’re new to air frying. Chicken is done at 165 F. But, I pull mine from the air fryer basket between 155 and 160 F. This is because there is carryover cooking while it rests.
- Let the Parmesan chicken rest: After you pull your crispy chicken breasts out of your air fryer, let them rest. Allow them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. After you pull your crispy chicken breasts out of your air fryer, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps keep the natural juices in the breasts giving you moister chicken all around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They take a few extra minutes to cook, so always check the internal temperature.
2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer — the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The outside will be golden and crispy.
3. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute crushed cornflakes, panko, or even almond flour for a low-carb version. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
4. Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Flipping halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning and a crispier crust on both sides.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before cooking. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
6. What sauces go well with Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a creamy ranch dip. It’s also delicious served over pasta or in a sandwich.
7. What to Serve with Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts?
We all know that chicken breasts pair well with just about any side dish. These include salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, potatoes, or rice.
Or for something super fast, whisk together some Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce. It keeps for weeks in the fridge if you have extra.
8. How to Store Leftover Chicken Breasts?
Air fryer parmesan chicken breasts are best hot and fresh right out of your air fryer. They will be the crispiest at that point.
But, if you do have extra Parmesan coated chicken, it’ll keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Take note though that leftover chicken won’t have the same crispiness when reheated. Leftover actual fried chicken doesn’t either.
9. How to Reheat Chicken Breasts in an Air Fryer?
I recommend setting the chicken breasts out at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This will warm them up slightly. Then, cook in a 350 F air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, cook in a 350 F air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through.
This will reheat the Parmesan and bread crumb chicken breasts. It will also crisp them up slightly. They’ll never be as crispy as when you first prepared them.
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large thick boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in halve lengthwise (to create 4 thinner-cut breast fillets; or 4 smaller breasts) *
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing if desired
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- Lemon wedges, optional for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat a large air fryer to 400 F. You can use a similar brand and model. Using a double basket air fryer prevents repeating steps 5 through 8.
- In a shallow dish or bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and stir to combine; set aside.
- To a separate medium bowl, add the eggs and whisk to combine; set aside.
- To a separate shallow bowl or dish, add the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and stir to combine; set aside..
- Dredge two of the chicken breast fillets in the flour mixture. Then, dip them through the eggs. Next, press into the Parmesan-breadcrumbs, making sure it adheres well.
- Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil cooking spray (or use an olive oil mister). Add the 2 breasts. Spray each of them on their exposed surface.
- Close the lid and air fry the chicken for 6 minutes.
- Open the machine and flip the chicken over using tongs. Spray the exposed surface with olive oil cooking spray. Cover it and cook for an extra 5 minutes or until done. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165F. Tips – I pull my chicken out at 155 to 160 F. The internal temp will continue to rise due to carryover cooking. This happens even out of or off the heat source. If you are unsure of when chicken is done, do not guess. Use a digital cooking thermometer.
- Repeat steps 5 through 8 with the two remaining breast fillets if you were using large breasts.
- After the chicken is air fried, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This ensures the natural juices stay inside when you slice into it.
- Optionally dust with extra Parmesan cheese and/or lemon wedges or any other favorite dip, dressing, or side dish. Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will also keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. Note that leftover chicken will not retain the same crispy fried texture that it has when it’s hot and fresh.
Notes
- Even thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to guarantee crispy results. Cook in batches if needed.
- Preheat for best texture: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve that perfectly golden, crunchy crust.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serving idea: Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for extra flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 519Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 1583mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 40g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
