Are you ready to enjoy a tasty and easy meal? In this blog, I’ll show you how to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast. This dish is not just simple; it’s packed with flavor and crunch. You’ll love the cheesy crust paired with juicy chicken. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps that will make this a favorite in your kitchen!

$- 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients in this recipe create a tasty chicken dish. Chicken breasts serve as the base, providing a lean protein. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture that makes the chicken satisfying to bite into. For seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning blend well. These spices enhance the chicken's taste without overpowering it. Paprika adds a hint of color and mild heat. Salt and black pepper are must-haves, boosting the overall flavor. The binding agents help the crust stick. Eggs create a nice layer for the breadcrumbs to cling to. Olive oil adds moisture and aids in crisping up the coating. This combination makes each bite a delight. First, dry the chicken breasts. Use paper towels to soak up any moisture. If your chicken is thick, slice it in half. This step helps it cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor to the chicken. In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs. Whisk them until they mix well. In another shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. Now, take each chicken breast. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Next, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. Make sure each piece is fully covered. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. For crispiness, spray the tops of the chicken with a little olive oil. Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. They are done when the coating is golden brown and the inside reaches 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes on a cutting board. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy. After resting, slice the chicken and serve. Enjoy your tasty Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast! Preheating the air fryer is key. Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it warm for 5 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. This adds crispiness and prevents sticking. A quick spray on the chicken tops adds even more crunch. Patting the chicken breasts dry is very important. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the coating sticks well. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half. This technique helps them cook evenly. Cooking times may vary based on the chicken size. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Using a meat thermometer gives you the best results. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for more flavor. Try mozzarella or cheddar for a twist. Each will give a different taste and texture to your chicken. You can also mix in some herbs and spices. Fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely touch. A pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick, too. Don't hesitate to experiment based on what you have at home. If you want to bake your chicken, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. This method still gives you a crispy crust. For a pan-fried option, add oil to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. This method creates a nice golden brown color and flavor. For a great meal, pair your chicken with sides like roasted veggies or rice. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette also works well. If you like sauces, try a creamy garlic sauce or marinara. These add extra flavor and make the dish more exciting. You can also serve lemon wedges for a zesty touch. Store leftover chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and moist for up to three days. If you want to save space, slice the chicken before storing it. This lets you fit more in the container. You can freeze cooked chicken for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This keeps the chicken crispy. Cooked chicken lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Check for any off smells or slimy texture. These are signs of spoilage. If the chicken looks dry or discolored, it's best to toss it. Always trust your senses to ensure food safety. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden brown crust. The juices should run clear. If they are pink, it needs more time. Yes, you can use skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Skinless chicken is lower in fat, which makes it a healthier choice. It still turns out juicy and tender. The Parmesan crust gives it great flavor and texture. Just remember to season well, as skin adds natural flavor. You can pair this chicken with many sides. Some good options include: - Mixed greens salad - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed broccoli These sides balance the rich flavor of the chicken. They add color and nutrients to your meal. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free easily. Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers for crunch. Just make sure to check labels for gluten-free certification. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. This guide shows you how to make Parmesan crusted chicken in an air fryer. We covered the main ingredients, seasoning, and binding agents. You learned the step-by-step process, tips for a crispy coating, and different cooking methods. Consider trying variations for added flavor. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these insights, you can confidently cook a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy experimenting and impressing your guests with this simple yet delicious dish!$

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 large chicken breasts

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning Components

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Binding Agents

– 2 large eggs

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

The main ingredients in this recipe create a tasty chicken dish. Chicken breasts serve as the base, providing a lean protein. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture that makes the chicken satisfying to bite into.

For seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning blend well. These spices enhance the chicken’s taste without overpowering it. Paprika adds a hint of color and mild heat. Salt and black pepper are must-haves, boosting the overall flavor.

The binding agents help the crust stick. Eggs create a nice layer for the breadcrumbs to cling to. Olive oil adds moisture and aids in crisping up the coating. This combination makes each bite a delight.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

First, dry the chicken breasts. Use paper towels to soak up any moisture. If your chicken is thick, slice it in half. This step helps it cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds great flavor to the chicken.

Set Up the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, crack the eggs. Whisk them until they mix well. In another shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.

Bread the Chicken

Now, take each chicken breast. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Next, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. Make sure each piece is fully covered.

Air Frying Process

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. For crispiness, spray the tops of the chicken with a little olive oil.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. They are done when the coating is golden brown and the inside reaches 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer.

Finishing Touches

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes on a cutting board. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy. After resting, slice the chicken and serve. Enjoy your tasty Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Crispy Coating

Preheating the air fryer is key. Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it warm for 5 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. This adds crispiness and prevents sticking. A quick spray on the chicken tops adds even more crunch.

Chicken Preparation Techniques

Patting the chicken breasts dry is very important. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the coating sticks well. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half. This technique helps them cook evenly.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Cooking times may vary based on the chicken size. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Using a meat thermometer gives you the best results.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change the cheese for more flavor. Try mozzarella or cheddar for a twist. Each will give a different taste and texture to your chicken. You can also mix in some herbs and spices. Fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely touch. A pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick, too. Don’t hesitate to experiment based on what you have at home.

Cooking Method Alternatives

If you want to bake your chicken, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. This method still gives you a crispy crust. For a pan-fried option, add oil to a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. This method creates a nice golden brown color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a great meal, pair your chicken with sides like roasted veggies or rice. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette also works well. If you like sauces, try a creamy garlic sauce or marinara. These add extra flavor and make the dish more exciting. You can also serve lemon wedges for a zesty touch.

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

Store leftover chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and moist for up to three days. If you want to save space, slice the chicken before storing it. This lets you fit more in the container.

Long-Term Storage

You can freeze cooked chicken for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This keeps the chicken crispy.

Shelf Life

Cooked chicken lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Check for any off smells or slimy texture. These are signs of spoilage. If the chicken looks dry or discolored, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses to ensure food safety.

FAQs

How do you know when the chicken is cooked?

To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden brown crust. The juices should run clear. If they are pink, it needs more time.

Can I use skinless chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Skinless chicken is lower in fat, which makes it a healthier choice. It still turns out juicy and tender. The Parmesan crust gives it great flavor and texture. Just remember to season well, as skin adds natural flavor.

What can I pair with Parmesan crusted chicken?

You can pair this chicken with many sides. Some good options include:

– Mixed greens salad

– Roasted vegetables

– Garlic mashed potatoes

– Steamed broccoli

These sides balance the rich flavor of the chicken. They add color and nutrients to your meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free easily. Replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers for crunch. Just make sure to check labels for gluten-free certification. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish.

This guide shows you how to make Parmesan crusted chicken in an air fryer. We covered the main ingredients, seasoning, and binding agents. You learned the step-by-step process, tips for a crispy coating, and different cooking methods. Consider trying variations for added flavor. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these insights, you can confidently cook a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy experimenting and impressing your guests with this simple yet delicious dish!

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken coated in a crunchy blend of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs makes for a mouthwatering meal everyone will love. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a crispy, golden dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner experience today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly. If they are particularly thick, slice them in half horizontally. This technique helps ensure that they cook evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.

Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, crack and whisk the eggs until well mixed. In a second shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to blend the ingredients evenly.

Bread the Chicken: Take each seasoned chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently but firmly to ensure that the coating adheres well. Make certain that each breast is completely covered in the crust.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to warm up for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use a brush to apply a small amount of olive oil. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches. For added crispiness, lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with a little more olive oil.

Cooking Time: Air fry the chicken at 380°F (193°C) for 12-15 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken breasts over to ensure they cook evenly. They are done when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer.

Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes on a cutting board before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moistness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and elegantly arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top, adding a zesty brightness. Pair with a side of mixed greens or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal.