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Golden crispy air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken breasts with melted cheese coating on white plate, garnished with fresh herbs, showing juicy interior when sliced

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

This crispy air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken delivers golden, crunchy coating with juicy, tender meat in just 15 minutes. A quick, family-friendly dinner that rivals restaurant quality.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil spray

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Slice thicker breasts for even thickness.
  2. Mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic with a drizzle of olive oil to form a paste.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Rub seasoning paste into chicken breasts, then press into Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to coat fully.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange chicken in basket in single layer with space between pieces.
  7. Spray with olive oil spray and cook 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating for best crispiness. Always spray chicken with olive oil to achieve golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the basket for even results.