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 truly irresistible about the crispy, golden crust of Parmesan paired with juicy chicken. This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe delivers that perfect crunch without the extra oil, making it quick, easy, and downright delicious. I love how it transforms a simple chicken breast into a restaurant-worthy meal in no time!

Two pieces of crispy golden breaded chicken lie flat on a round white plate. The chicken has a crunchy texture with a mix of light and darker golden brown shades, sprinkled with small green herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. To the top right of the plate, there is a silver knife and fork resting beside a light blue-green cloth napkin. Part of another white bowl filled with roasted potatoes is faintly visible at the top left corner. A small bowl with red dipping sauce can be seen at the bottom left edge of the image. 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

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I promise you'll find it just as fantastic. It strikes that perfect balance between crispy and tender—and with the air fryer doing the heavy lifting, cleanup is a breeze too!

Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Crunch: Uses the air fryer, so you get that satisfying crisp without drowning the chicken in oil.
Flavor Boost: The Parmesan and Italian seasoning combo makes every bite flavorful and addictive.
Versatile: Works great as a main dish or sliced atop salads and sandwiches for variety.

Inside a black air fryer basket, three pieces of golden brown fried chicken lie flat without overlapping. Each chicken piece has a crispy, rough, and crumbly texture with a mix of light and darker brown shades, indicating a crunchy crust. The black basket has a patterned base with small holes, showing some breadcrumb crumbs scattered around the chicken. The basket sits on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe come together to create a delectable crust that locks in moisture. Each element brings not just flavor but texture and color, making every bite a joy.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with a light dusting of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and easy slicing after.
Mayonnaise: Acts like glue for the coating while keeping the chicken juicy—trust me, it’s worth it!
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated brings sharp, nutty flavor that breadcrumbs alone can’t match.
Panko breadcrumbs: Their light, airy texture creates that signature crispy crunch in the air fryer.
Garlic powder & Italian seasoning: Infuse the crust with classic savory notes.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a gorgeous golden hue.
Black pepper & sea salt: Essential seasonings that brighten and balance flavors.

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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 like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand and who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to tweak this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe to match your taste buds or dietary needs—you really can’t go wrong here.

Variation: For a lower-fat option, I sometimes swap mayonnaise for egg whites—it still helps the coating stick beautifully.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix if you’re in the mood for some heat.
Herbaceous twist: Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled on top after cooking always brighten the dish.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Crispy Perfection

I start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner pieces. This not only helps them cook faster but gives you more surface area for that crispy crust—score! Patting the chicken dry is key; moisture will stop the coating from sticking well, so don’t skip this step. Then, I spread mayonnaise evenly on both sides—this little trick keeps everything juicy and acts like glue for the Parmesan mixture.

Step 2: Mix Your Parmesan Coating

In a wide, shallow bowl, I combine freshly grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mixing everything with a fork ensures all those flavors mingle perfectly before you dredge the chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Press

Next up, coat each piece of chicken generously with the Parmesan mixture. After coating one side, flip and repeat, then gently press the crumbs onto the chicken to make sure they stick. Don't be shy here—every bit of that crust adds to the crunch you’re craving.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Crisp

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. You’ll know they’re done when the crust is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Easy and clean—no splattered oil, and minimal mess!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little things that really make this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe shine—simple tricks that take it from good to wow every single time.

Pat the Chicken Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness here. I always use paper towels to dry my chicken well before applying mayo and coating.
Don’t Skip Pressing the Coating: Pressing the Parmesan mixture onto the chicken seals it tight and creates that satisfyingly crunchy crust—trust me on this one.
Single Layer Cooking: Air fryers work best when air can circulate freely, so avoid overlapping pieces. If you have more chicken, cook in batches.
Flip Halfway: Turning your chicken halfway through cooking makes sure both sides get that perfect golden brown you’re aiming for.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil right after cooking—not only do they add a pop of color, but their fresh flavor complements the cheesy crust beautifully. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the dish, adding that perfect tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include steamed green beans or a fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also pair wonderfully. If I’m feeling indulgent, mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta are comforting crowd-pleasers.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, I slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of creamy risotto or a colorful Mediterranean grain bowl. It also makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches or wraps—perfect for casual lunches or picnics!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the chicken cool completely before sealing it; this helps prevent sogginess that can happen with steam.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. I like to label them so I remember the date! When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To keep the crust crispy when reheating, I pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives the crispiness far better than the microwave, which tends to make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Frozen chicken breasts are not ideal since this recipe calls for slicing the chicken thinly and air frying it evenly. It’s best to thaw and pat dry before starting for best results.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, egg whites are a great alternative to help the coating stick. You can brush the chicken with beaten egg whites before dredging in the Parmesan mixture.

How do I avoid the coating falling off during cooking?

Make sure to pat the chicken dry first, spread mayonnaise evenly, press the coating firmly onto the meat, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Flipping carefully helps keep the crust intact too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb option or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing the crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is one of those meals I always fall back on when I want something quick, satisfying, and a little special. You get a crispy cheesy crust, tender chicken, and minimal fuss—I think you’ll be surprised how easy and tasty it is. Give it a try and share it with your loved ones; it’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel a bit more celebratory!