Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated; ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground; ¼ teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

There’s something utterly satisfying about the crispy, cheesy crust on tender chicken that melts in your mouth. This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe delivers exactly that—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and done in a flash thanks to the air fryer. It's a total winner for any weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Two pieces of crispy golden breaded chicken lie flat on a round white plate. The chicken has a crunchy texture with a mix of light and darker golden brown shades, sprinkled with small green herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. To the top right of the plate, there is a silver knife and fork resting beside a light blue-green cloth napkin. Part of another white bowl filled with roasted potatoes is faintly visible at the top left corner. A small bowl with red dipping sauce can be seen at the bottom left edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I tried this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe, it quickly became one of my favorite go-tos. The combination of crunchy panko and nutty parmesan cheese creates a crust that’s just irresistible. Plus, the air fryer makes the whole process super easy and mess-free.

Quick and Easy: Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy nights.
Deliciously Crispy: Achieves that deep golden crust without frying in oil.
Juicy Inside: Thanks to the mayo base, the chicken stays perfectly moist and tender.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different seasonings or coatings to suit your taste buds.

Inside a black air fryer basket, three pieces of golden brown fried chicken lie flat without overlapping. Each chicken piece has a crispy, rough, and crumbly texture with a mix of light and darker brown shades, indicating a crunchy crust. The black basket has a patterned base with small holes, showing some breadcrumb crumbs scattered around the chicken. The basket sits on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balance—the creamy coating helps the parmesan and breadcrumbs stick while keeping the chicken moist. Every ingredient has a role, so getting fresh parmesan and good-quality panko will really elevate your final dish.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with a light dusting of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for quick cooking and ease of slicing.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps the crust cling to the chicken without heaviness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the most flavorful, crispy crust.
Panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy, creating that unmistakable crunch.
Garlic powder: Brings a gentle savory boost without overpowering the other ingredients.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a subtle Mediterranean flair.
Paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and lovely color.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for sharp, peppery notes.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors—adjust to your taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I stick to this classic combo most of the time, I love to switch things up depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. The base recipe is really flexible, and you can make it yours in so many fun ways.

Variation: Sometimes I swap mayonnaise for beaten egg whites for a lighter version, and it still crisps up beautifully.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix if you’re craving a little heat.
Herb twist: Fresh basil or oregano added to the coating mix gives a burst of fresh flavor.
Parmesan alternatives: If you want a different cheese profile, pecorino Romano works well too.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep your chicken perfectly

I like to slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to get thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Don’t forget to pat the chicken dry before slathering on the mayo—this little trick helps the coating stick like magic.

Step 2: Mix the crispy coating

Grab a shallow bowl and combine parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, pepper, and salt. Mix it well with a fork to ensure all those flavors distribute evenly—this is where the magic flavor comes from.

Step 3: Coat with care

Spread mayonnaise on both sides of each chicken piece, then dredge them one side at a time in the crumb mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres well. This step is crucial for that crispy crust, so take your time.

Step 4: Air fry to golden perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to get an even, golden crust all around. Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on them the first time you try.

Top Tip

In my experience, these simple tips truly make the difference between good and great when making this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe.

Pat Dry Chicken: Really drying your chicken before adding mayo helps the coating stick better and crisps up more evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking the pieces in a single layer ensures hot air circulates properly, giving you that perfect crunch.
Flip Halfway: Turning the chicken halfway through cooking prevents one side from burning and promotes golden crispness all around.
Fresh Parmesan: Using freshly grated cheese makes a big flavor and texture difference compared to pre-grated varieties.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of green and freshness. A little lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up in a wonderful way, too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, roasted asparagus, or even a creamy mashed cauliflower for a lighter touch. For something cozy, garlic butter noodles work like a charm with these crispy chicken breasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served sliced Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken atop a bed of wilted spinach with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It makes for an elegant plate that’s simple but looks special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the coating from becoming soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, lay the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep that crispy crust when reheating, pop the chicken back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 360°F (182°C). Avoid microwaving, which makes it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs can be thicker or more variable in size—usually between 12-15 minutes at 380°F is perfect.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture and crunch will still be fantastic.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Using a meat thermometer is the best way. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it ticks all the boxes—easy, fast, and utterly delicious. I love sharing it with friends, and everyone is always impressed by how crispy and flavorful it is without all the hassle of traditional frying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen staple!