Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful parmesan and panko crust, cooked in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded to even thickness
- ¾ cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
- ½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten (room temperature)
- Olive oil spray (for light misting)
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm). Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- In a medium bowl, combine grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Beat the egg in a separate bowl to create an egg wash.
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, coating fully. Press into the parmesan-panko mixture, coating both sides thoroughly and pressing gently to help crumbs stick.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place chicken breasts in a single layer with space between them.
- Air fry for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip the chicken using tongs, spray the other side lightly with oil, and cook for another 6-8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and crust is golden brown.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and crispiness. Pat dry to remove moisture before coating. Press coating firmly to ensure it sticks well. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature). For extra crispiness, add 1-2 minutes per side if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ab
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, panko chicken, garlic parmesan chicken