Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require heating up your whole kitchen, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is going to be your new weekly favorite. It delivers everything you love about crispy “fried” chicken—without the mess of deep frying. The air fryer does all the work, giving you a golden crust and incredibly tender chicken every time.

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I’ve been using my air fryer nonstop lately, and this has quickly become one of those recipes I turn to on busy evenings. Whether you’re serving a family, cooking for two, or prepping meals ahead of time, it hits all the marks for convenience, taste, and simplicity.

Dinner in About 30 Minutes

One of the biggest perks of this dish is how quickly it comes together. You only need about 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking—and you’ll have a full dinner that feels like something you spent much longer making.

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is also wonderfully versatile. It works great as a main dish, over salads, in sandwiches, or sliced on top of pasta. And since the air fryer keeps all the heat in one compact space, it’s an excellent option for warm days when you want something delicious without turning your home into an oven.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Crispy coating without deep frying
• Tender, juicy chicken breasts every time
• Simple ingredients you probably already have
• Great for salads, bowls, or dipping in your favorite sauces
• Perfect for quick lunches and weeknight dinners
• Family-friendly and easy to customize

The air fryer truly shines with this recipe. You get crunch, flavor, and even browning—no skillet splatter, no greasy cleanup.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Ingredients

This recipe keeps things simple while still delivering a ton of flavor.

Chicken Breasts

You’ll need two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise so you end up with thinner cutlets. Pounding them to an even thickness is key—it guarantees the chicken cooks quickly and evenly while staying tender.

Mayonnaise

Instead of egg wash, this recipe uses a thin layer of mayo to help the coating stick. It creates a moisture barrier, which keeps the chicken juicy and helps the breadcrumb mixture cling beautifully.

Panko Breadcrumbs

For the crispiest texture, Italian-seasoned panko works best. The larger crumbs create a lighter, crunchier crust than traditional breadcrumbs.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated or pre-grated both work. Parmesan adds savory flavor and helps brown the coating in the air fryer.

Garlic, Salt, and Pepper

Simple seasonings bring everything together and enhance that classic parmesan crust.

Olive Oil Spray

A light spray helps crisp the coating without additional oil.

Fresh Parsley

Optional, but adds a fresh, bright finish.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer

STEP ONE: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. While it heats, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thin pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until evenly thin.

STEP TWO: Make the Garlic Mayo

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with finely minced garlic. Spread this mixture over both sides of the chicken. Don’t skimp—this step keeps the meat tender and ensures the coating sticks well.

STEP THREE: Prepare the Parmesan Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix the seasoned panko, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Press each garlic-coated chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, flipping to fully cover both sides. Make sure each piece is coated thoroughly—full coverage equals maximum crispiness.

STEP FOUR: Air Fry

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Add chicken cutlets in a single layer, leaving space between pieces so the hot air can circulate.

Air fry for 8 minutes, then gently flip and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

STEP FIVE: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the basket and sprinkle with fresh parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan. Serve hot and crispy.

Tips for Success

• Coat thoroughly: Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for even, crisp coverage.
• Use olive oil spray, not aerosol cooking sprays: Many sprays containing propellants can damage nonstick air fryer baskets.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air fry in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
• Watch the crust: After flipping, check the chicken at the 5-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
• Pound to an even thickness: Thin, even chicken guarantees quick, uniform cooking.

What Temperature and How Long to Cook Chicken in an Air Fryer

For this recipe, 390°F for about 15 minutes is the perfect balance for thin, pounded cutlets. They become tender inside and crisp outside without drying out.

If you want to make chicken tenders instead, you can increase the temperature to 400°F and cook them for 5–6 minutes per side since they are smaller and cook faster.

Can You Use Breading in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely—as long as it’s a light coating. Heavy, wet batters tend to drip and won’t stick properly in the air fryer. But panko-style coatings, especially those adhered with mayo or egg wash, work perfectly and come out beautifully crisp.

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