Some nights call for something crispy and comforting without the mess. I whipped up this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken after a long day, and it tasted like I spent hours on it. Now it’s a weekly favorite in our house.
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A Crispy, Juicy Dinner in Just 30 Minutes
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy, juicy, and ready in just 30 minutes. It delivers that fried-chicken crunch without the grease, using simple ingredients like mayo, Panko, and Parmesan. Perfect for picky eaters or busy nights—it’s a sure win.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra-crispy crust without deep-frying
- Moist and flavorful chicken inside
- Uses pantry staples like mayo and Panko
- Kid-approved and weeknight-ready
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – Thin-sliced and pounded for even cooking.
- Mayonnaise – Helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for a savory kick.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Add that signature crunch.
- Parmesan cheese – Brings the salty, nutty flavor.
- Olive oil spray – Keeps the coating golden without extra grease.
- Fresh parsley – For a touch of color and freshness at the end.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to switch it up? Try these:
- A pinch of Italian seasoning for herbaceous depth.
- A dash of chili flakes for heat.
- A little lemon zest for brightness.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1 – Prep the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make four thin cutlets. Lightly pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even thickness. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.
Step 2 – Make the Coating
In a small bowl, mix the mayo and minced garlic. In a separate shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Step 3 – Coat & Air Fry
Brush both sides of the chicken with the garlic mayo mixture. Press each piece into the Panko-Parmesan blend, making sure every bit is coated. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil and place the chicken in (don’t overcrowd). Air fry at 390°F for 8 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 4 – Check & Serve
Make sure the internal temp hits 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Finish
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Leave space for air to circulate around each piece.
- Spray both sides of the coating lightly with oil for an even golden crust.
- Flip halfway through to crisp both sides evenly.
- Use thin, even pieces of chicken to prevent dry spots and uneven cooking.
Air Fryer Temperature & Cook Time Guide
Here’s a quick breakdown to keep handy:
- Chicken breasts: 390°F for 15 minutes total (flip halfway)
- Chicken tenders: 400°F for 5–6 minutes per side
- Always check for doneness: chicken should reach 165°F internally.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy chicken plays well with just about anything. Try it with a simple side salad, buttery mashed cauliflower, or roasted green beans. It’s also great sliced over pasta or tucked into a sandwich with lettuce and tomato. Add a drizzle of lemon juice or a scoop of marinara for an extra punch of flavor.
For more cozy ideas, check out these easy low-carb dinner recipes for cozy nights.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? You’re covered. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4 minutes to bring back that crunch. Avoid the microwave—it turns the crispy coating soggy.
FAQs
Do you need to flip chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! Flipping helps both sides cook evenly and crisp up. Just give it a quick flip halfway through the cook time.
Can you use sour cream or yogurt instead of eggs for coating?
Absolutely. This recipe skips eggs entirely and uses mayo instead, but if you’re dairy-free or prefer a tangier flavor, Greek yogurt or sour cream can also work.
What temperature should you cook Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Set your air fryer to 390°F. This high heat gives you that perfect crisp without drying the chicken.
How do you keep chicken juicy in the air fryer?
The secret? Thin-cut chicken and a mayo coating. The mayo locks in moisture while the air fryer does its crispy magic. Avoid overcooking and check internal temp to keep it juicy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Just make sure they’re boneless and cook them 2–3 minutes longer for a crispy finish.
What type of breadcrumbs work best?
Panko is ideal—it stays light and crispy. Avoid fine breadcrumbs, which can get soggy.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use a dairy-free mayo.
More Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Looking for more? Try these favorites:
And for cozy comfort, don’t miss our healthy soup recipes to keep you warm or these vegan-friendly low-carb meals packed with vegetables.
For more cozy ideas, check out these easy low-carb dinner recipes for cozy nights.
You can also find even more crispy comfort-food inspiration over on our Pinterest board at Ketoatmeal.