Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil spray - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The key to making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is simple. You need fresh, quality ingredients. The chicken breasts form the base of our dish. They should be boneless and skinless for the best results. The Parmesan cheese adds flavor and richness. Panko breadcrumbs give that delightful crunch. For seasonings, garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Italian seasoning brings in a hint of herbs. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making them pop. Don’t forget the eggs! They help the coating stick to the chicken. Cooking spray is also important. It ensures the chicken won’t stick to the air fryer. Lastly, fresh parsley adds a nice touch before serving. It makes the dish look vibrant and fresh. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a tasty meal. Each element plays a role in making this dish both easy and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a crisp crust. Make sure it heats up while you prepare the chicken. It saves time and helps cook evenly. In a shallow dish, combine the following: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients well. This blend gives the chicken a tasty, crunchy crust. In a bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. Dip each chicken breast into the eggs. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Allow any extra egg to drip off. Next, dredge the chicken breasts in the Parmesan-panko mixture. Press down gently. This helps the coating stick better. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This keeps the chicken from sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket. Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through. This ensures even cooking. Check that the chicken is golden brown and reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. Once done, carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Enjoy your tasty meal! To get that perfect crispy crust, use cooking spray. This spray helps the chicken brown nicely. Without it, the chicken can end up soggy. Make sure to spray both the basket and the chicken. This step is key for that golden finish. To avoid sogginess, do not overcrowd the air fryer. Leave space for air to flow. If you stack the chicken, it won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed. To check if the chicken is ready, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. If your chicken pieces vary in size, adjust the cook time. Smaller pieces will cook faster, while larger ones may need more time. Always check the temperature to avoid undercooking. When serving, add a touch of fresh parsley on top. It adds color and flavor. You can also serve the chicken on a wooden board. This makes for a nice presentation. Add lemon wedges to the plate. They bring brightness to the meal. Pair with a fresh leafy salad for a pop of color. This makes your dish more appealing and tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps keep it juicy and flavorful. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Instead of Parmesan, try cheddar for a sharp taste. Mozzarella adds a nice, gooey texture. Each cheese gives the chicken a unique flavor. Feel free to mix cheeses too. A blend of Parmesan and cheddar works great! Want to spice things up? Add paprika for a smoky touch. Cayenne pepper brings heat if you like it spicy. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a fresh flavor. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your best mix. This way, you can make each meal special! If you need a gluten-free meal, swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer tasty options. You can even make your own by grinding gluten-free crackers. Just check the label to ensure they fit your diet. With these swaps, you can enjoy this dish worry-free! To store leftover chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps retain its flavor and texture. To reheat without losing crispiness, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crust crunchy. You can also use an oven for reheating. Just place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 10 minutes. To freeze the chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheat using the air fryer for best results. You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute for panko. Both options give a nice crunch. If you want a gluten-free version, try ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Each alternative will change the flavor and texture slightly, so pick what you enjoy most. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! They are juicier and more flavorful. Just ensure you cook them until they reach 165°F (75°C). Thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so check them after 12 minutes. Adjust your cooking time based on the size of the thighs. A leafy salad pairs well with the chicken. You can add some lemon wedges for a citrusy twist. Roasted veggies or a side of pasta also make great choices. Make sure your sides balance the meal's flavors and textures for the best experience. This blog post covered the key steps to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and how to coat and cook the chicken for a perfect meal. With tips on crispiness and variations to try, you can make this dish your own. Remember to store and reheat leftovers wisely for the best flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses or spices will keep things fun! Enjoy your cooking, and share your tasty results!$

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Crispy and flavorful chicken breasts coated in Parmesan and panko, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooking spray or olive oil spray
as needed fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the chicken.
In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess to drip off.
Next, dredge the chicken breasts in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well to the chicken.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Spray the tops of the chicken with a light coating of cooking spray to help achieve an extra crispy crust.
Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board with a side of lemon wedges and a fresh leafy salad for a pop of color.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, crusted, Parmesan