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Air Fryer Chicken with Parmesan Crust

Two pieces of golden brown Air Fryer Chicken with Parmesan Crust stacked on a white plate, showing the crispy texture.

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Make crispy, flavorful Parmesan crusted chicken breasts quickly in your air fryer. This recipe provides the right temperature and time for a golden brown, non-soggy crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This step helps the crust stick and crisp up.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. In the third dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, remaining salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Parmesan and panko mixture, coating both sides completely.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  6. Spray the tops of the chicken pieces generously with cooking spray. This is key for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
  7. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-minute mark).
  8. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
  9. Remove from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken again after flipping it halfway through cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker crust, increase the panko breadcrumbs to 1/2 cup.
  • You can substitute chicken tenders for breasts; reduce the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes.
  • To keep the chicken juicy, avoid cutting into it immediately after cooking.

Nutrition