Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken: A Quick & Delicious Meal
When you’re craving something crispy, savory, and utterly satisfying but want to keep things a bit healthier, this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken recipe is your best friend. Using an air fryer cuts down on oil without sacrificing that delightful crunch we all love. Here’s how to make this easy and quick dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 ounces each) – or 4 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- Breadcrumbs: 2 cups seasoned Parmesan breadcrumbs (see notes below for a homemade option)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Seasoning: ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking Spray: Olive oil spray (non-aerosol for better coverage)
- Optional Toppings: Shredded Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, parsley, red pepper flakes, hot sauce
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise to open them up like a book. This gives you four thin pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel. If the chicken is too thick, use a meat mallet to pound it to even thickness.
- Coat the Chicken: Place your seasoned Parmesan breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
- Cooking: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer in the basket. Spray the top of the chicken with more olive oil spray for extra crispiness. Air fry for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece, spray again, and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serving: Let the chicken rest for at least five minutes after cooking. This helps to retain the juices. Serve sliced with a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice, additional salt, pepper, and optional toppings like shredded Parmesan, parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Recipe Notes:
- Homemade Breadcrumbs: To make your own seasoned breadcrumbs, pulse day-old bread in a food processor with dried herbs like oregano and basil, garlic powder, salt, and mix in grated Parmesan.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Prep & Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is not just easy and quick to make; it’s also versatile. Serve it with a side of light pasta, over a fresh salad, or alongside steamed vegetables to complete your meal. The optional toppings like lemon, parsley, and red pepper flakes add a fresh and zesty twist, making this dish a delightful treat any day of the week. Enjoy the crunch without the guilt!
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on your traditional fried chicken. Using an air fryer offers a healthier alternative without compromising on the crispy, golden texture that makes fried chicken so appealing. The added parmesan in the breadcrumb mixture gives a savory depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the subtle spice of optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 ounces each) – or 4 thin sliced chicken breasts
2 cups seasoned parmesan breadcrumbs – or make your own, see notes below
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Olive oil spray – for extra crispy chicken (non-aerosol)
Optional Additional Seasoning:
Shredded parmesan cheese – for topping
Lemon
Parsley
Red pepper flakes
Hot sauce
Instructions
Prepare the chicken breast – Use a sharp kitchen knife to slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise like a book so you get 2 pieces of chicken from each chicken breast. Then pat the chicken dry with a clean towel. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken if needed so each piece is even all around.
Coat the chicken – Add the breadcrumbs to a shallow bowl, crack and whisk the eggs with some salt and pepper in another shallow bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into the eggs, then into the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs into the chicken as you bread it. Continue until you have coated all of the chicken.
Cook – Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer in a single layer and spray each piece with cooking spray (note: you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes, carefully flip each piece of the chicken over, spray the other side with more olive oil spray, and cook for 4-5 more minutes. Until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F.
Serve – Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for at least five minutes then slice and serve it with a sprinkle of lemon and more salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 kcal