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 irresistibly crunchy and flavorful about this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe that makes it a total crowd-pleaser. The golden, crispy crust paired with juicy chicken inside is a perfect match that I find myself craving on repeat.

Two pieces of breaded fried chicken with a crispy golden-brown crust sit side by side in a white bowl. The coating is textured with small crunchy bits and has a warm orange hue with green herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, near a fork and knife placed on a soft blue cloth napkin. Part of another white bowl with roasted potato wedges is visible in the top left corner, along with a small dish of red dipping sauce at the bottom left. 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

I’m always on the lookout for quick meals that don’t skimp on flavor or texture, and this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe hits all those marks perfectly. It’s quick, delicious, and that crunchy parmesan crust just seals the deal every time.

Speedy Prep and Cook Time: You can have this crispy, delicious chicken ready in just about 20 minutes total.
Perfectly Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch with way less oil.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just a handful of staples come together in a way that tastes so much fancier than it looks.
Easy to Customize: You can switch up seasonings or use egg whites instead of mayo to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Three pieces of golden brown breaded chicken sit inside a black air fryer basket with a grid-like pattern. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture with small, light and dark brown crumbs visible all over the surface. The air fryer basket edges are slightly raised and vented, and it is placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth with fringe detail nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor and that unbeatable crispy coating. Choosing quality parmesan and fresh seasonings really makes a difference.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with a reddish-orange paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with pale garlic powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed 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, skinless cuts work best for even cooking and quick prep.
Mayonnaise: It might seem unusual, but it acts as a glue that helps the coating adhere and locks in moisture for juicy chicken.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan delivers that rich, cheesy depth that really shines in the crust.
Panko breadcrumbs: These crumbs add a light, airy crunch that makes the crust irresistible.
Garlic powder: A gentle boost of aroma and flavor without overpowering the dish.
Italian seasoning: Adds a hint of herbaceous warmth to round out the flavors.
Paprika: Gives the crust a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for that touch of spicy bite.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the seasoning.

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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

I love how forgiving this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is when it comes to tweaking flavors. I often switch up the seasonings or swap mayo for egg whites depending on what I have on hand or how rich I want it.

Variation: One of my go-to tweaks is adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the crust a little kick—perfect for spice lovers.
Dietary modification: Feel free to use Greek yogurt instead of mayo or egg whites as a binder for a lighter version.
Herb swaps: Sometimes I throw in some fresh chopped basil or parsley after cooking for fresh color and flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Like a Pro

First things first, I slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets. This not only helps them cook evenly but also means they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. After patting them dry, I spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on each side—this makes a huge difference in how well the coating sticks and keeps the meat juicy.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Parmesan Coating

In a wide, shallow bowl, I combine the parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Using a fork, I mix everything together so it’s evenly distributed. This blend is what gives the crust its distinctive taste and irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Coat Your Chicken Generously

I dredge each chicken piece in the parmesan mixture, pressing lightly so the coating clings well on both sides. You want a nice, thick layer for maximum crispiness. If you skip this pressure step, the coating might fall off during cooking, so don’t be shy!

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd to ensure they crisp evenly. I cook them for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You'll see that golden crust forming, and trust me, the aroma alone is worth the wait.

Top Tip

After cooking this recipe a bunch of times, I learned a few tricks that take the Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe from good to absolutely fantastic. These tips save you time and ensure that perfect crisp every single time.

Don’t overcrowd the basket: You might be tempted to fit as many pieces as possible in one go, but spacing is key for that crispy crust. I always cook in batches if needed.
Press the coating firmly: It really helps the panko and parmesan stick tightly, preventing it from falling off mid-cooking.
Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be clumpy or powdery. Fresh parmesan melts and crisps up so much better.
Flip halfway: Turning the chicken midway ensures even cooking and browning on both sides, so don’t skip this simple step.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

When I plate this chicken, I like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top along with some freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up nicely, too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a simple side like roasted veggies or a crisp green salad. I often whip up some garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto when I’m feeling a little indulgent, and both are perfect comfort food matches.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like slicing the chicken thinly and layering it over a bed of mixed greens or even inside toasted ciabatta for a gourmet-style sandwich. Adding a dollop of marinara or pesto gives it a fresh twist that’s always a hit at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and I always let it come to room temperature a bit before reheating to keep it juicy.

Freezing

If I’m making extra, I sometimes freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. It reheats surprisingly well and saves time on busy nights.

Reheating

To keep that crust crispy, I always reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven rather than the microwave. Just 3-5 minutes at 350°F is usually enough to warm it through without losing any crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving in the air fryer. Just adjust the cook time a few minutes longer since they may be thicker.

What if I don’t have mayonnaise?

No worries! I’ve used egg whites as a binder before with great results. You can also try Greek yogurt or even a light brushing of olive oil to help the coating stick.

How do I ensure the coating stays crispy?

Greasing the chicken with mayo or a binder, pressing the coating firmly, and not overcrowding the air fryer basket are key steps. Also, reheating in the air fryer helps revive that crispness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken coated and ready to cook, then store it in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Avoid coating too early or it might get soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to dinners because it’s reliable, fast, and absolutely delicious. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll find a comfy spot in your weekly menu rotation like it did in mine. Plus, it’s easy enough to customize so you can make it your own little kitchen masterpiece. Give it a shot—you won’t regret it!