Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg, beaten; Olive oil spray, for spraying

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dinner that’s crispy, flavorful, and perfectly juicy, let me introduce you to my favorite Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe. This recipe delivers a golden, crunchy coating with that irresistible Parmesan kick, all without heating up your oven or splattering oil. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over—plus, it’s super kid-friendly and so easy to prep!

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Why This Recipe Works

Crispy Yet Juicy: The Parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crust, while the air fryer locks in moisture for juicy chicken inside.
Super Quick Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps get dinner on the table fast—perfect for busy weeknights.
Less Mess, Less Oil: Using the air fryer means no greasy splatters, and you use much less oil than traditional frying.
Kid-Friendly Flavor: The familiar Parmesan and Italian seasoning combo appeals to all ages, making it a family favorite.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken Breast, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipes - Inside a black air fryer basket, there are three pieces of breaded and cooked chicken, each with a golden brown crunchy coating that has some darker crispy spots. The pieces are uneven in shape, with one noticeably larger and placed near the bottom center, while the other two are smaller and positioned toward the top left and right corners. Small crumbs and bits of the coating are scattered around the chicken on the base of the basket, which has a slightly shiny black metal grid design and ventilation holes. The scene is brightly lit, showing texture details of the crispy surface and the basket's interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients aren’t just tossed together; each one plays a role in making this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe absolutely crave-worthy. From crunchy breadcrumbs to savory seasonings, here’s what you’ll need and why.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken Breast, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipes - Flat lay of two large raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small heap of golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white bowl filled with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl with fine garlic powder, a small white bowl with coarse Kosher salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, 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 m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Look for boneless, skinless pieces that are even in thickness for uniform cooking and juiciness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated provides that sharp, salty flavor and helps create a crisp crust.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs offer extra crunch compared to traditional ones.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Garlic powder: Gives just the right hint of garlic without overpowering.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
Egg: Acts as a glue to help the cheesy breadcrumb coating stick perfectly to the chicken.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love switching things up based on what I have or want at the moment—don’t be afraid to experiment!

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Herb Swap: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top after cooking add a bright, fresh note—makes it feel extra special.
Gluten-Free: Swap the Panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your seasonings for gluten to enjoy a GF-friendly version.
Cheese Variety: Mixing in some grated Pecorino Romano with the Parmesan adds a salty tang and extra depth I personally adore.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer For Crispy Perfection

Before doing anything else, get your air fryer warmed up to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. I can’t stress this enough—preheating helps the coating crisp up beautifully instead of soggy breading. It’s such a simple step that makes a huge difference in texture.

Step 2: Mix Your Parmesan Breadcrumb Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir them up so every crumb gets seasoned—this blend is what brings all those layers of flavor many people rave about.

Step 3: Coat Chicken in Egg Then Bread Crumbs

Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten egg. This locks in moisture and helps the breadcrumb mix stick perfectly. Let the excess egg drip off before pressing the chicken firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb blend. Make sure both sides get a good coating—you want that crust to hug every inch.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden, Crispy Goodness

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to keep your chicken from sticking. Place the coated breasts in a single layer with space around each piece so air circulates nicely. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with olive oil spray too—it helps the crust crisp up rather than dry out.

Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’re looking for a golden, crunchy crust and juicy chicken inside—don’t rush or the crust may burn or the chicken won’t be cooked through.

💡 Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Use Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts vary in thickness, pound them gently so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Don’t Skip the Oil Spray: Spraying both the basket and chicken ensures a golden crust without sticking.
Flip With Care: Use tongs to flip the chicken gently to avoid knocking off the breading.
Rest Before Slicing: Let your chicken sit a couple minutes after cooking to lock in the juices—slicing right away can cause dryness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken Breast, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipes - A white plate with three main parts: on the right, a sliced golden brown crispy breaded chicken, showing white meat inside with some crumbs scattered around; at the top left, fresh green and purple leafy salad with soft, wavy leaves; at the bottom left, a small metal bowl filled with a thick, yellow creamy sauce that has a slightly grainy texture. The plate is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top mine with freshly chopped parsley or basil because it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts with the cheesy crust. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a low-carb option, steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans are perfect matches that keep the meal light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I love slicing the chicken breasts and serving them over a bed of creamy risotto or pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic. You can even lay the slices on toasted baguette slices as fancy little appetizers that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crispy, I place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture—it really helps when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze these cooked chicken breasts by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen portions stay good for up to 2 months. I’ve thawed and reheated them with great results — perfect for meal prep.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This revives the crunchy crust much better than a microwave. You’ll get a deliciously crispy outside and juicy inside just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but keep in mind they might cook a bit faster since they’re more tender and have more fat. Check the internal temperature and adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Do I need to pound the chicken breasts before cooking?

I highly recommend it if your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness. Pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and stay juicy—plus, it makes for a better breaded crust without burnt edges.
Can I prepare the coating ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix your Parmesan and breadcrumb seasoning blend ahead and store it in an airtight container. It saves time on busy nights, and the flavors actually meld nicely if left a bit.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake this instead?

You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes on a greased baking sheet, flipping halfway through. The crust won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer version but still tasty and satisfying.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it a great protein base for lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. The combination of crispy breadcrumbs and Parmesan with juicy chicken is one of those comforting meals that feels special yet comes together so effortlessly. If you want a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and fast, I can’t recommend this enough. So go ahead, grab your air fryer, and give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious this becomes your go-to weeknight favorite!