Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Indulge in crispy perfection with our Parmesan Chicken Air Fryer recipe—easy to make, this dish boasts golden-brown goodness without the excess oil. Elevate your dinner game with flavorful boneless chicken breasts coated in a savory parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, all achieved effortlessly in the convenience of your air fryer.

If you’re on the lookout for a mouthwatering and hassle-free dish that combines the richness of Parmesan with the irresistible crispiness of the air fryer, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into the world of culinary delight with a Parmesan Chicken recipe. 

This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also delivers a symphony of flavors in every bite. Let’s get ready to elevate your dinner game with this crispy elegance straight from the air fryer.

If you love crispy chicken you may also want to try my Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites or my Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS AIR FRYER PARMESAN CHICKEN

3. Rich Parmesan Flavor: Revel in the rich and savory taste of Parmesan cheese that permeates every nook and cranny of the chicken, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to leave your taste buds delighted.
4. Healthier Option: Enjoy guilt-free indulgence as the air fryer technique requires minimal oil, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying without compromising on the deliciousness.
5. Versatile Pairing: Love variety? This Parmesan Chicken complements various sides – from crisp salads to warm pasta – making it a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any palate or meal preference.
6. Quick Weeknight Dinner: Say goodbye to lengthy cooking times. With the air fryer’s speed, savor a gourmet-style Parmesan Chicken dinner on busy weeknights, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your table in no time.
7. Family-Friendly Delight: Impress even the pickiest eaters. The universal appeal of crispy Parmesan chicken makes it a family-friendly favorite, ensuring smiles and satisfied tummies around the dinner table.
8. Visual Appeal: Elevate your culinary presentation with beautifully golden and evenly browned Parmesan Chicken, turning a simple dish into an aesthetically pleasing centerpiece for your dinner spread.
9. Perfectly Moist Interior: Experience the best of both worlds – a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The air fryer locks in moisture, creating a delightful contrast that makes this Parmesan Chicken a culinary masterpiece.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN

You will need this full list of ingredients listed below to make the chicken pieces (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Large eggs
• Mozzarella cheese
• Marinara sauce – can use tomato sauce as well
• Cooking spray

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPE

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. This ensures that your Parmesan Chicken achieves that perfect golden crispiness. Then cut your  chicken in half widthwise all the way through to create 4 thin pieces of chicken.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create the flavorful coating for your chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan and panko mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere.
4. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching, to allow for even air circulation.
5. Air Fry to Perfection:Air fry the Parmesan Chicken for 7-8 minutes. Flip the chicken over and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and chicken is golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees F.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, transfer the Parmesan Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch of elegance. Serve hot and savor the crispy, cheesy goodness!

STORAGE

Refrigeration:

1. Allow the Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken to cool to room temperature before storing.
2. Place the leftovers in an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to preserve moisture and flavor.
3. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
4. Refrigerate the leftovers, and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing:

1. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option.
2. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air before sealing.
4. Label the bag with the date and type of dish.
5. Frozen Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken can be stored for up to 1-2 months.

Reheating:

1. When ready to enjoy your stored Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight.
2. For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
3. If reheating from frozen, increase the time to 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

FAQS

HOW CAN I MAKE THE PARMESAN CHICKEN TENDERS A HIT WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY?

Customize the recipe to suit various tastes. Kids love Parmesan Chicken tenders, while adults may prefer larger pieces. The versatility of the dish makes it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

DO I NEED A MEAT THERMOMETER FOR COOKING PARMESAN CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER?

While not mandatory, using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing it’s cooked to perfection without overdoing it.

IS DEEP FRYING NECESSARY FOR ACHIEVING A CRISPY PARMESAN COATING OR WILL THE AIR FRYER SUFFICE?

The air fryer excels in providing a crispy exterior without deep frying. Its circulating hot air achieves the desired crunch while using significantly less oil, making it a healthier alternative.

ARE LARGE CHICKEN BREASTS SUITABLE FOR PARMESAN CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER?

Yes, large chicken breasts work well. However, for more even cooking, consider slicing them into smaller pieces or chicken tenders. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Air Fryer Tortilla Garlic Bread
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Air Fryer Chicken Sausages
• Tortilla Pizza In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Steak French Fries
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)

IF YOU TRIED THIS BREADED CHICKEN RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails