Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated with a crispy, cheesy crust, all made in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- Set Up Three Bowls: In one bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the Dijon mustard. In the second bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The third bowl will remain empty for easy transfer.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated chicken on a plate or a baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken breasts.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
- Arrange the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, panko breadcrumbs are recommended. They create a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 38g
Conclusion
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this dish is perfect for serving alongside a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the flavors of fried chicken without the guilt, and make this easy recipe a staple in your weekly dinner rotation!
Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!
