Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken - Coated in a mixture of panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, this "fried" chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy, tender, and moist inside! It's EASY, ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, and a healthier way to indulge in fried chicken! Oven-baking instructions also provided.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time11 minutesmins
Additional Time5 minutesmins
Total Time5 minutesmins
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Chicken
Servings: 4
Calories: 519kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
2large thick boneless skinless chicken breastssliced in halve lengthwise (to create 4 thinner-cut breast filets; or 4 smaller breasts)*
½cupall-purpose flour
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
2large eggsbeaten
1 ½cupsfinely grated Parmesan cheeseplus more for garnishing if desired
1 ½cupspanko bread crumbs
Lemon wedgesoptional for garnishing
Instructions
Preheat a large air fryer (or similar brand and model or double basket air fryer so you don't have to repeat steps 5 through 8) to 400F.
In a shallow dish or bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and stir to combine; set aside.
To a separate medium bowl, add the eggs and whisk to combine; set aside.
To a separate shallow bowl or dish, add the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and stir to combine; set aside..
Dredge two of the chicken breast filets in the flour mixture, dip through the eggs, and then press into the Parm-panko making sure it adheres well.
Spray the basket of your air fryer with olive oil cooking spray (or use an olive oil mister), add the 2 breasts, and spray each of them on their exposed surface.
Close the lid and air fry the chicken for 6 minutes.
Open the machine, flip the chicken over using tongs, spray the exposed surface with olive oil cooking spray, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until done. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165F. Tips - I pull my chicken out at 155 to 160F because the internal temp will continue to rise due to carryover cooking, even out of or off the heat source. If you are unsure and can't "tell" when chicken is done by a visual once-over, avoid guessing and use a digital cooking thermometer.
Repeat steps 5 through 8 with the two remaining breast filets if you were using large breasts.
After chicken has been air fried, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into it so the natural juices stay inside.
Optionally dust with extra Parmesan cheese and/or lemon wedges or any other favorite dip, dressing, or side dish. Chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 4 months. Note that leftover chicken will not retain the same crispy fried texture that is has when it's hot and fresh.
*You can use any size chicken breasts you want for air fryer Parmesan chicken but cooking time will vary depending on size. For this recipe I used 4 small breasts, weighing about 1/2 pound each.Many times I use 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound each) that I get from the butcher and then slice them in half lengthwise, creating 4 thinner filets (about 1/2 pound each).Cooking times will vary on the size of your chicken breasts ranging from about 10 to 16 minutes total, always flipping once midway through.Chicken is considered done when it reaches 165F. However the internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests so I take my chicken out when it’s 155 to 160F.I prefer to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can experiment with thighs and with skin-on chicken. **Because you likely will not use every last drop of these battering and breading ingredients, the nutrition stats are likely a bit artificially inflated since it takes into account using everything to the last drop.