Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken – A 20-Minute Wonder!
Need a quick dinner that’s big on flavor and crispy goodness?
This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is your new best friend.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have juicy chicken coated in a golden, crispy Parmesan crust – all in under 20 minutes.
It’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you want something that tastes like it took hours, but doesn’t!
Enjoy this easy, satisfying dish that’s sure to be a family favorite.
For Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Use large boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the juiciest result.
- Parmesan Cheese – The star ingredient for the crispy, cheesy crust.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds crunch to the crust. (For keto, skip the breadcrumbs and use extra Parmesan.)
- Mayonnaise – Acts as a binder to hold the crust and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
- Salt – To season the chicken, enhancing all the flavors.
For Cooking the Chicken
- Vegetable Oil – For lightly spraying or greasing the air fryer basket (optional, as mayonnaise helps crisp the crust).
- Air Fryer – Preheat to 390°F for the perfect crispy texture.
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half and pound each piece to an even thickness.
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt.
- Spread a layer of mayonnaise on both sides of each chicken piece.
- In a bowl, mix together the Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. (For a keto version, simply skip the breadcrumbs and use extra Parmesan.)
- Coat each piece of chicken in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15 minutes, flipping the chicken after 10 minutes for even crisping.
Notes
- To make this keto-friendly, increase the Parmesan and omit the breadcrumbs. The mayo will still help create a crispy crust, so no additional cooking spray is needed.
Nutrition
1. Do I need to flip the chicken while cooking in the air fryer?
You’ll want to flip the chicken halfway through to get both sides nice and crispy. It only takes a minute or two and makes all the difference!
2. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese instead of fresh?
You can, but I always recommend using freshly grated Parmesan when you can. It melts better and gives the crust a richer texture, plus it’ll be a little less processed!
3. Do I need to spray the chicken with oil in the air fryer?
I don’t typically use cooking spray because the mayonnaise on the chicken does a great job of helping the crust get crispy, but a light spritz can help if you’re looking for extra crunch.
4. How should I store leftovers and reheat them?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, pop the chicken back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F – it’ll crisp right back up!
5. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Simply skip the breadcrumbs and use extra Parmesan cheese in its place. The mayonnaise still helps give the chicken that perfectly crispy, golden crust without any carbs.
