If you’re craving juicy chicken with a crispy, golden crust without all the oil this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is exactly what your dinner needs. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with cheesy, herby flavor in every bite. And the best part? It’s made in the air fryer with minimal mess and maximum crunch!
Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just trying to eat a little lighter without sacrificing flavor, this recipe brings all the satisfaction of fried chicken without deep frying. It’s a quick, protein-packed dinner that feels indulgent but is air-fried to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Incredibly crispy with no deep fryer required
- Cooks in under 15 minutes
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or sandwiches
- Kid-friendly and meal-prep approved
What Does It Taste Like?
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is savory, crunchy, and cheesy with just the right amount of seasoning. The parmesan cheese gives the crust a deep umami flavor, while garlic and herbs make it extra flavorful. The air fryer makes the coating golden and crunchy—like pan-fried chicken cutlets, but lighter and crispier.
Benefits of This Recipe
- High-protein, low-oil meal
- Air fryer keeps it crisp without added grease
- Freezer-friendly for easy reheating
- Great base for sandwiches, salads, or pasta
- Faster than oven baking or pan-frying
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Dijon mustard (for coating)
- Olive oil spray
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or fork
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for even more crunch
- Add paprika or cayenne for a little heat
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Brush each cutlet with mayonnaise or mustard on both sides. Press into the crumb mixture until fully coated.
Step 5: Spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Place chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Step 6: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Let rest for 2 minutes, then slice and serve.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Buttered noodles or spaghetti marinara
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Sandwich it in a brioche bun with lettuce and aioli
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd the basket cook in batches if needed
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
- Lightly spray the tops before air frying for extra browning
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness
- Freeze fully cooked cutlets and reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer
General Info
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko and check your seasonings to keep it gluten-free.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before air frying.
Do I need to flip it?
Yes! Flipping halfway ensures even browning and crisp texture.
Conclusion
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is your go-to for a quick, satisfying meal with all the crunch and flavor of fried chicken without the oil. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly versatile. Serve it solo, sandwich-style, or sliced over salad. However you serve it, this recipe is a keeper!
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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Golden, Juicy, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is juicy inside, golden and crunchy outside. Coated in parmesan, panko, and seasoning, it’s air-fried to crispy perfection without oil. A weeknight dinner winner!
Ingredients
– 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise or Dijon mustard
– Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to make thinner cutlets.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush each cutlet with mayo or mustard. Dredge in the Parmesan-panko mix until well coated.
5. Spray air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
7. Let rest for 2 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better texture.
Slice chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
Flip halfway through air frying for even crispiness.
Spray tops with oil before cooking for deeper color.
Can be baked if air fryer isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Keywords: air fryer chicken, crispy parmesan chicken, air fryer dinner, panko crusted chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken cutlets, parmesan chicken air fryer
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