Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is lighter thanks to the air fryer but still incredibly flavorful: crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s a simple weeknight main that comes together in under 30 minutes and will likely become a regular on your dinner menu.

Ingredients

Notes on the main ingredients used in this recipe:

• Chicken: Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise to make four thin pieces.
• Bread crumbs: A mix of whole wheat seasoned bread crumbs and panko for extra crunch. Regular seasoned bread crumbs work if you don’t have whole wheat.
• Parmesan: Grated Parmesan—freshly grated or the pre-grated kind both work fine.
• Egg: One egg whisked with a tablespoon of water to help the crumb mixture adhere.
• Seasoning: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Even if the crumbs are seasoned, a little extra seasoning boosts flavor.
• Olive oil spray: For the air fryer basket and to lightly mist the tops of the chicken so the crust becomes crisp and golden.
• Lemon: One lemon, sliced, for serving.

The full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

Step-By-Step Instructions

This recipe is quick and straightforward—ready in under 30 minutes.

1. Prep the chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (if your model has a preheat option) for about 5 minutes. Using the flat side of a meat tenderizer, gently pound each chicken half to about 1/4″ thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make the breading. In a shallow bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs, panko, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat fully. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining pieces.
3. Air fry the chicken. Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overlapping—cook in batches if needed. Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken with olive oil. Air fry at 360°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
4. Serve. Plate the chicken with lemon slices and serve immediately. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor and pairs well with the Parmesan crust.

Expert Tip: If you cooked the chicken in batches, reheat the first batch in the air fryer for about 1 minute with the second batch so everything is warm when served.

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken makes a quick, satisfying weeknight main. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Simple sides work best: a crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. For variety, turn this into a quick chicken parmesan—top each piece with a tablespoon of marinara and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, then air fry 1–2 minutes more until the cheese melts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Related Recipes

• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Baked Chicken Nuggets
• Baked Zucchini Chips with Sriracha Aioli

If you try this recipe, please come back and leave a rating and a comment—your feedback helps others decide what to make.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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• Author: Nicole | Fresh Apron
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Air Fry
• Cuisine: American