This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a game-changer! It’s a healthier and easier way to enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of parmesan-crusted chicken without the mess of traditional frying. Tender chicken fillets are coated in a flavorful garlic mayonnaise, then dredged in a crispy Parmesan-panko mixture and air-fried to golden perfection. I love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Crispy and Delicious: The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy crust without the need for deep frying.
Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
Healthier: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic mayonnaise and Parmesan-panko crust creates a delicious and satisfying flavor.
Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes, this is perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy chicken. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Chicken

Boneless and skinless chicken breasts (Meat)

Garlic Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise (Condiment)
Minced garlic cloves (Aromatic)
Onion powder (Spice)
Italian seasoning (Spice Blend)
Garlic powder (optional) (Spice)
Salt (Seasoning)

Parmesan Coating

Fresh grated parmesan cheese (Dairy)
Panko breadcrumbs (Breadcrumbs)

Garnish

Fresh oregano or parsley leaves (Herb)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken as is, but here are some fun variations:

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic mayonnaise.
Add Lemon: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the garlic mayonnaise for a brighter flavor.
Different Cheese: Use a blend of Italian cheeses or try adding some Pecorino Romano to the Parmesan.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the mayonnaise or the breadcrumb mixture, such as basil, thyme, or rosemary.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Dredging the chicken in the Parmesan-panko mixture for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

Preheat Air Fryer

I preheat my air fryer to 390°F | 199°C.

Prepare Chicken Fillets

I slice 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thinner fillets.
I place the chicken on a cutting board, cover it with plastic wrap, and pound it into an even thickness with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.

Make Garlic Mayonnaise

In a small bowl, I mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic cloves, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and salt.

Coat Chicken with Mayonnaise

I divide the garlic mayonnaise mixture between the chicken fillets and spread it all over, coating both sides.

Prepare Parmesan Coating

In a shallow bowl, I mix together the panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Dredge Chicken in Parmesan Mixture

I dredge each chicken fillet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly into the coating with tongs to help it adhere.
Then, I turn the fillet over and repeat on the other side. I shake off any excess coating.

Air Fry

I place the coated chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
I cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74°C).
After 5-6 minutes of cooking, I remove the basket and carefully flip over the chicken, using tongs.

Garnish and Serve

I garnish the cooked chicken with fresh oregano or parsley leaves and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the CRISPIEST Chicken

Here are my secrets for making this chicken extra crispy:

Pound the Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the chicken in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation and crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-grated.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are extra light and crispy, making them perfect for this recipe.
Use a Thermometer: I find it helpful

How to Serve

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:

With Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta with marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it over a salad for a light and healthy meal.
Sandwiches: Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Side Dish: Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken served over pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the chicken (coat it with the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to re-crisp the coating.

FAQs about Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
Can I bake this chicken instead of air frying it?
- Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
- You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give you a crispier crust.

Enjoy this easy, delicious, and crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken! It’s a flavorful and healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.