Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish, optional) To create the perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, gather your ingredients first. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are easy to cook and stay juicy. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a rich, savory flavor. Panko breadcrumbs add the crunch we crave. Next, we have spices and seasonings. Garlic powder gives a nice kick. Italian seasoning adds depth. A bit of salt and black pepper brings out the flavors. For the binding ingredients, you need eggs and Dijon mustard. They help the breadcrumbs stick well. You can also use fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and freshness to the dish. Once you have all your ingredients, you’re ready to make a crispy delight that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This step takes about 5 minutes. - Set the air fryer to the optimal setting for even cooking. - In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well. - In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until smooth. - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the crust to be extra crispy. - Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, coating it fully. Let excess drip off. - Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the crust stick. - Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Leave space between pieces for hot air. - Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking. - Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. - Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. To get that perfect crispy texture, you must pat the chicken dry. This step removes moisture that can make the crust soggy. Use paper towels and press gently. Next, space is key when placing chicken in the air fryer. If the chicken breasts touch, they won’t cook evenly. Keep a little room between them. This allows hot air to flow around each piece, creating a nice, crispy crust. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees safety and juiciness. Adjust your cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes. Thin breasts will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Pair your chicken with vibrant side dishes. A fresh side salad or steamed veggies adds color and nutrition. For presentation, slice the chicken into medallions. Serve it on a rustic wooden cutting board. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and enhances the dish's visual appeal. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Pro Tips Dry Chicken Breasts: Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before breading. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating and optimal juiciness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the breadcrumb mixture with your favorite herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better with extra flavors. Adding herbs like thyme or oregano brightens the taste. You might also try spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. Mixing in different cheeses adds unique notes. Cheddar brings sharpness, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste! If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These substitutes give a nice crunch without the gluten. You can also try crushed crackers or nuts for a different texture. Crushed cornflakes add a fun crunch, while nuts give a rich flavor. Experiment with what you have on hand! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to flip the chicken halfway for even browning. You can also pan-fry the chicken in a skillet. Heat oil over medium heat and cook each side until golden. This method gives a lovely crispy edge that you will enjoy. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to keep it sealed tight. The best way to reheat chicken is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the chicken crispy. You can also use an oven. Place it on a baking sheet and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. To freeze baked chicken, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you’ll keep that crispy texture! Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. For the best taste, eat it within two days. You can enjoy the chicken warm or cold in salads or sandwiches. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! They will be juicier and still crispy. Adjust the cooking time. Cook thighs for about 15-18 minutes. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). You can serve this chicken with many tasty sides. Try a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes. Garlic bread or pasta also pairs well. Add a squeeze of lemon for some zing! Yes, you can make this recipe without breadcrumbs. Use ground nuts, such as almonds or walnuts. You can also crush cornflakes for a crunchy coating. Adjust the seasoning to keep the flavor bold and delicious. You can cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, but the texture may differ. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving. Remember to check for doneness, as cooking times may vary. In this article, we explored how to make crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, spices, and binding agents. We also outlined how to prepare the air fryer, coat the chicken, and cook it perfectly. With tips for crispiness and variations to try, you can get creative. Store your leftovers properly for the best taste. To wrap up, this dish is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy your cooking journey and the delicious chicken!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Deliciously crispy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and panko crust, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
to taste none Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes for optimal cooking.
In a shallow dish, thoroughly mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step aids in achieving a crispier crust.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Let any excess drip off.
Next, dredge the coated chicken breasts in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crust firmly to the chicken.
Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s enough space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate for even cooking.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even golden-brown crust, and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes to retain its juices before slicing.
If desired, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve while warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden cutting board, sliced into attractive medallions.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, crispy, Parmesan