Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated with a cheesy, seasoned breadcrumb mixture and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a deliciously crunchy exterior and juicy inside. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it pairs wonderfully with sauces or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two halves using a sharp knife to create thinner cutlets. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Apply Mayonnaise Coating: Spread mayonnaise evenly on both sides of each chicken piece with a butter knife to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere.
- Mix the Coating: In a wide and shallow bowl, combine freshly grated parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well with a fork or spoon until evenly blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first on one side and then the other in the prepared parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well to the chicken.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even golden crust.
- Serve: Remove the chicken when crispy and cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite sauce or side dishes. Optionally, slice the chicken for easier serving.
Notes
- If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, replace it with egg whites brushed onto the chicken before coating for adherence.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness; cook in batches if necessary.
- For best results, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- You can freeze the coated chicken before cooking for convenient meal prep; thaw completely before air frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast half
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
