Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated; 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

There’s something downright irresistible about the crisp, golden crust of this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe. The way the parmesan and panko come together in the air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without extra oil—easy, quick, and just downright delightful.

Two pieces of crispy golden breaded chicken lie flat on a round white plate. The chicken has a crunchy texture with a mix of light and darker golden brown shades, sprinkled with small green herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. To the top right of the plate, there is a silver knife and fork resting beside a light blue-green cloth napkin. Part of another white bowl filled with roasted potatoes is faintly visible at the top left corner. A small bowl with red dipping sauce can be seen at the bottom left edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe has become my go-to for a fuss-free weeknight meal. It’s all about that crispy edge with juicy, tender chicken inside, made with ingredients you probably have on hand already. Plus, the air fryer means no mess and less oil, which is a total win.

Crispy, Yet Juicy: The parmesan and panko create a crunchy crust that locks in moisture for every bite.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just about 20 minutes—perfect for busy days.
Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to create big flavor.
Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying cuts down oil but keeps that crispy texture intact.

Inside a black air fryer basket, three pieces of golden brown fried chicken lie flat without overlapping. Each chicken piece has a crispy, rough, and crumbly texture with a mix of light and darker brown shades, indicating a crunchy crust. The black basket has a patterned base with small holes, showing some breadcrumb crumbs scattered around the chicken. The basket sits on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has a reason for being there, working in harmony to create a crisp, savory crust while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with a light dusting of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy eating; slicing horizontally helps them cook evenly.
Mayonnaise: Acts like a glue for the crust and keeps the chicken moist; I love how it adds subtle richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives a nutty, salty flavor and helps create that signature crisp.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and flaky, they toast up beautifully in the air fryer for extra crunch.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor for a classic touch.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note and beautiful golden color.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a punch of spice and freshness.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming—the key to balance.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe flexible. Some days I swap mayonnaise for egg whites to lighten it up, and other times I toss in a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. Feel free to play around with the seasoning—you’ll enjoy discovering your own favorite combo!

Variation: Once, I added a bit of lemon zest to the parmesan mixture for a refreshing twist that we loved on a spring evening.
Dietary Mod: For a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast in place of parmesan and an egg wash instead of mayo.
Extra Crunch: Mix half crushed cornflakes with the panko for an unexpected crispy texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with Care

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. I always use a sharp knife here; a dull one makes the process tougher and messier. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—that’s a step you don’t want to skip because it helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Spread the Mayonnaise

Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on both sides of the chicken with a butter knife. This not only keeps the meat juicy but acts as a perfect base for the parmesan crust to cling to. If you prefer, you can use beaten egg whites as a substitute. I’ve tried both, and mayo gives that slightly richer flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Parmesan Coating

In a wide, shallow bowl, combine freshly grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir it well so every bite gets a balanced flavor. Using freshly grated parmesan really makes a difference here; the pre-grated stuff tends to be drier and less flavorful.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Evenly

Press each chicken piece into the parmesan mixture, coating one side first, then flip to coat the other. Don’t just toss it in; gently press the mixture onto the surface so it sticks well. This step is essential for a crisp, even crust that won’t fall off during cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding—they need room for the air to circulate to get crispy. Cook for 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. You’ll want to watch for a golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F. The texture? Crisp outside, juicy inside—a little magic right in your kitchen.

Top Tip

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few key tricks that really boost your results and make the whole process smoother.

Pat Dry Before Coating: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so drying the chicken thoroughly ensures each bite is crunchy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking the chicken in batches if needed means everything crisps evenly instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Parmesan: It adds more flavor and melts perfectly to create that decadent crust you’re craving.
Flip Halfway: Turning the chicken midway through cooking guarantees a consistent golden crust all over.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon over the chicken right after it comes out of the air fryer. The parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while the lemon cuts through the richness with a delightful zing.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings is a crisp green salad tossed lightly with balsamic or a batch of roasted asparagus. Sometimes I even go simple with garlic mashed potatoes or a quinoa pilaf to soak up those crispy edges.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner or small gathering, I like slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of mixed greens or pasta, drizzled with a garlic aioli or marinara sauce. It makes the meal feel special but still keeps it casual and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers I have, I pop into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’re best eaten within two days to retain that crunch and juiciness, but honestly, if I’m honest with myself, they hardly last that long in my house!

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil with an extra layer of plastic wrap. When properly wrapped, they keep well for up to two months. I find freezing before cooking can be tricky—it’s best to prepare fresh for the crispiest results.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer crispness, I reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, checking often. Avoid microwaving because it softens the crust, and you’ll lose that satisfying crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe?

You can substitute mayonnaise with beaten egg whites or even plain yogurt. These options help the Parmesan and breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken while keeping it moist during cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly in the air fryer?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to be sure. Also, the crust should be golden brown and crispy.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, checking early for doneness, as thighs may cook a bit faster or slower depending on thickness.

Do I need to flip the chicken halfway through cooking?

Yes, flipping the chicken halfway through ensures both sides crisp evenly and cook through. This step helps you avoid uneven cooking and makes the crust uniformly golden and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe has genuinely earned a spot in my regular meal rotation—its ease and flavor combo are tough to beat. Once you try it, I think you’ll appreciate how the crispy coating pairs with tender chicken, baked without a greasy mess. Trust me, it makes weeknights way better!