Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 eggs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray The main ingredients for this dish are simple. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the base. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a nice crunch. You will also need two eggs for binding. For seasoning, garlic powder adds a savory touch. Dried Italian herbs bring in a mix of flavors. Salt and black pepper balance everything. Together, they enhance the chicken's taste without overpowering it. Finally, cooking spray is a must. It helps achieve that golden, crispy finish. It also keeps the chicken from sticking to the basket. Use it generously to get the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Preheating helps cook the chicken evenly. This step is key for the best results. In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Blend these well for an even flavor. This coating gives the chicken a crispy and tasty layer. Take two eggs and beat them in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, coating it fully. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, press the chicken into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix. Make sure to coat both sides well. This step is crucial for that delicious crunch. Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer, and do not let them touch. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry them for about 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Once done, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. To get that perfect crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and fluffy. This texture gives your chicken a nice crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won’t be as crispy. Using cooking spray is key to achieving crispiness. After you coat the chicken, spray the top lightly. This helps the crust brown evenly. Don't skip this step. A little spray goes a long way! Always check the internal temperature of your chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. An instant-read thermometer makes this easy. After cooking, let your chicken rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to settle. If you cut it too soon, the juices run out. Give it time to relax for the best flavor! Presentation makes every meal feel special. Serve your chicken on a clean plate, garnished with fresh parsley. A side of lemon wedges adds a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. The colors and textures make the dish look inviting. Enjoy your beautiful, tasty creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh herbs and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish significantly. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure chicken breasts are placed in a single layer without overlapping. This allows for even cooking and crispiness. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the breadcrumb mixture by adding spices or herbs like paprika or crushed red pepper for extra kick! {{image_2}} You can change the herbs for more flavor. Try fresh oregano or basil instead of dried. You can also use rosemary for a strong taste. Mix in some parsley for a fresh touch. Each herb gives the chicken a unique flavor. Experiment and find your favorite mix! Parmesan cheese is great, but you can switch it up. Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite. Mozzarella can add a nice melt and creaminess. For a smoky flavor, try smoked Gouda. These cheeses can change the overall taste of your dish. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Pair your chicken with tasty sauces or sides. A side of marinara adds a nice kick. You can also serve it with a creamy garlic sauce for richness. For sides, a green salad works well. Roasted veggies can add color and nutrition. Enjoy making it your own! To store leftover chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great choice. When freezing cooked chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, put the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Make sure to push out any extra air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat the chicken, use an air fryer or oven for the best texture. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even heating. If using an oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy the crispy texture and juicy flavor! It takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken. Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Once it’s hot, place the chicken in a single layer. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. To ensure it is done, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures juicy chicken with a crispy crust. Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. These will work well and still give you that crunchy texture. Check the Parmesan cheese to ensure it's gluten-free, as some brands may add fillers. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. Roasted vegetables bring a nice balance, too. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal. Add lemon wedges for a zesty kick, and enjoy the flavors together! This blog post showed you how to make air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken. We went over the main ingredients, how to prep and cook it, and tips for a perfect dish. Remember, the right breadcrumbs and cooking spray make a big difference. Explore variations to fit your taste, and don't forget to store leftovers properly. Using this guide, you can create a tasty meal that's quick and satisfying. Enjoy your chicken!$

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Deliciously crispy chicken breasts coated in a Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 pieces eggs, beaten
as needed spray cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until mixed.
Take each chicken breast and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's coated well. Let any excess drip off.
Next, press the chicken breast into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly on both sides.
Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Once done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a plate garnished with fresh parsley and a side of lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Pair with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, crusted, easy, Parmesan