Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast 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, as needed

Jump to Recipe·5 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a crispy, juicy chicken dinner that’s on the table in under 30 minutes, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe. It’s hands-down one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s quick, packed with flavor, and has that amazing golden crust without the mess of frying in oil. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every detail so your chicken turns out perfectly crispy and tender every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Crispy, golden crust: The combo of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs creates the perfect crunchy coating that air fries beautifully.
Fast and easy: With just a few ingredients and an air fryer, dinner comes together in a flash with minimal cleanup.
Juicy inside: Cooking at 375°F keeps the chicken tender and juicy, so you don’t end up with dry breast meat.
Versatile flavors: Italian seasoning and garlic powder bring a savory depth that feels homey and fresh.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast, crispy chicken, healthy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipes, easy air fryer chicken - 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

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe are simple yet perfectly balanced. Each one plays a role in giving you a crunchy exterior with a juicy center, and you can easily find them at any grocery store.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast, crispy chicken, healthy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipes, easy air fryer chicken - 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

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Opt for larger breasts so you get a full, meaty piece to crust up. Thinner pieces tend to dry out quicker.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor and texture—it melts and crisps up beautifully on the outside.
Panko breadcrumbs: They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving your chicken that light crunch.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds earthy, aromatic notes that complement the cheese.
Garlic powder: Just a touch for depth and warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and the coating evenly.
Egg: Acts as the glue to make sure the breadcrumb mixture sticks to your chicken like a charm.

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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 easy this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe is to customize. Whether you want it spicy, herb-packed, or even gluten-free, it’s super adaptable to your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to give the crust a gentle smoky kick—it’s a game changer if you like a little heat.
Dietetics: If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go!
Seasonal: Adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the breadcrumb mix brightens up the flavor, especially in spring and summer.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Always start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). I let mine run empty for about 5 minutes—that way, the chicken begins cooking immediately in hot air, which is key for a crispy crust.

Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Breadcrumb Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing it ahead of time helps you create an even coating on each chicken breast. Pro tip: Use a shallow dish rather than a bowl—you’ll get better contact with the chicken when you press the crumbs on.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Egg and Breadcrumbs

Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, allowing excess egg to drip off. Then press the breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides. Don’t be shy with this step—pressing helps the crust stick well, so it doesn’t flake off during cooking.

Step 4: Get Ready for the Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray—trust me, this prevents sticking and helps the bottom crust crisp up. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer with some space between them so hot air can circulate.

Step 5: Air Fry, Flip, and Finish

Spritz the tops of the chicken breasts with a bit more olive oil to encourage browning. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip using tongs and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes. I always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy chicken. The crust should be golden and crispy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your chicken rest for a minute or two once it’s out of the fryer. This helps the juices redistribute so every bite is moist. Then slice it up and dig in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Oil Spray: It might seem small, but a light coating of oil spray transforms the crust into golden crisp, especially on the bottom side.
Use a Thermometer: I learned the hard way—overcooked chicken is no fun. Checking for 165°F takes the guesswork out.
Press the Crust Firmly: Pressing the breadcrumb mixture into the chicken tightly helps prevent it flaking off in the air fryer basket.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give each piece enough space for air to flow or the crust won’t crisp evenly.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast, crispy chicken, healthy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipes, easy air fryer chicken - 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 love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—it adds a fresh pop of color and light herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness of the Parmesan crust. A few lemon wedges on the side let you brighten each bite with a squeeze of citrus, which is a simple way to elevate the whole meal.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies—think asparagus or Brussels sprouts. When I’m craving comfort food vibes, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles are my go-to sides. Bonus: they soak up every bit of those delicious juices!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like slicing the chicken into medallions and arranging it over a creamy risotto or Parmesan polenta, then drizzling with a light garlic herb butter. It looks stunning and tastes indulgent even though it’s super simple to prepare.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. I usually eat mine within 3 days to enjoy the coating crispness best.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Just cool completely, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months. When you want some quick chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep that golden crust crispy, I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes—just until warmed through. If you don’t have an air fryer handy, a toaster oven works great too. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe. Frozen chicken won’t cook evenly in the air fryer, and you risk burning the crust while the inside remains undercooked. If you’re short on time, thaw the chicken breasts in cold water before cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part and make sure the juices run clear, with no pink remaining.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast, which adds a savory, cheesy flavor. Keep in mind that the crust texture might be slightly different, but it still turns out delicious.
Why does my breadcrumb crust sometimes fall off?

This often happens if the chicken isn’t properly coated with egg or if you don’t press the crumbs firmly. Make sure to dip the chicken fully in the egg mixture, let the excess drip off, then press the breadcrumb mixture tightly onto the surface. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe has become a real staple in my kitchen—and not just because it’s quick. I love how it hits that perfect balance between crispy, cheesy crust and tender, juicy meat every single time. If you want a reliable dish that impresses without fuss or lengthy prep, you really can’t go wrong with this one. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and I swear it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, just like it did for me.