Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful crust with a juicy interior thanks to a blend of Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, it utilizes the air fryer to create a golden, crunchy coating without deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, making sure it is fully coated and allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Press the egg-coated chicken breasts into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the coating adheres well and forms a crust over the surface.
- Prep for Air Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation.
- Air Fry: Spray the tops of the coated chicken breasts lightly with olive oil spray. Cook in the preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the chicken breasts using tongs, then continue cooking for an additional 8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for one minute. Slice and serve them hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used but may result in a less crispy crust.
- Olive oil spray helps to create a golden crust but can be substituted with any neutral cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil.
- For extra flavor, add paprika or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Resting the chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and allows the crust to set properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
