Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Crispy, Juicy, and Ready in 20 Minutes!

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite! Golden, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, these chicken breasts have all the satisfaction of fried chicken — without the oil or mess. The air fryer gives them that crave-worthy crispy crust while keeping the inside incredibly juicy and tender.

Dinner in 20 minutes? Yes, please! 🙌

🌟 Why You’ll Love It

• Crispy, golden crust without deep frying
• Tender and juicy inside every time
• Quick and easy – done in just 20 minutes
• Healthier than pan-fried or oven-baked versions

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and lightly pound to even thickness (about 1 inch thick).

2️⃣ Make the Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg.

3️⃣ Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then press into the Parmesan mixture until fully coated on both sides.

4️⃣ Air Fry to Perfection

Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket (don’t overlap).
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
👉 The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with parsley and serve with your favorite sides — salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.

💡 Pro Tips

• For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
• Want more flavor? Add a dash of Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket — air circulation is key for that crisp crust.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Pair your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with:

• A light Caesar salad 🥗
• Roasted garlic potatoes 🥔
• Zucchini noodles or pasta 🍝

✨ Final Thoughts

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is proof that comfort food can be both easy and healthy. You’ll get that deep-fried crunch you love with zero guilt (and zero oil!).