Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) To start, you'll need a few key ingredients. First, grab two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They should be fresh and plump for the best taste. Next, we need a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor. For that crispy crunch, one cup of breadcrumbs is a must. I prefer panko because it gives that extra texture. Now, spice things up with one teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning. These add a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper! Just half a teaspoon of each enhances the overall flavor. For the coating, you'll need two large eggs, mixed with one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This mixture helps the cheese and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Lastly, chop some fresh parsley for garnish if you like. It adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate. Now you have everything you need to make this delicious air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken! Grab these ingredients, and let's get cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook evenly. Grab a shallow dish for the coating. Combine 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix it well. This mixture gives the chicken a nice, crunchy crust. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mix, coating it fully. Then, dredge the chicken in your cheese and breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between them for even cooking. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. The crust should be golden brown when done. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. This keeps it juicy. Slice the chicken into medallions for a pretty look. You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve it warm with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. To get that perfect crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch. Mix the breadcrumbs well with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and spices. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken. This helps it stick better during cooking. Always pat your chicken dry before coating. This step helps the crust stick. For even cooking, make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for a golden crust on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This can cause uneven cooking. Avoid skipping the egg wash; it helps the coating stick. If the crust is falling off, you might not have pressed it enough. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after cooking. It helps keep the chicken juicy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your chicken with different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new twist. You can also use smoked paprika for a nice kick. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Mix and match to find what you love most. Chicken isn't the only option here. You can use turkey breast or pork chops instead. Both will work well with the same coating. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. Turkey may take a bit longer, while pork cooks faster. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers for added crunch. Make sure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy a crispy delight without worry. To keep your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to layer parchment paper between pieces to avoid sticking. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer for the best results. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose its crunch. You can freeze the chicken for later use. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating instructions. The best way to cook chicken in an air fryer is to preheat it first. Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about five minutes. This helps to create a nice, crispy texture. Make sure to space the chicken pieces apart in the basket. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around the chicken. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it requires a few adjustments. Thaw the chicken first for even cooking. You can soak it in cold water for about an hour. This makes it easier to coat with the Parmesan mix. If you cook it straight from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Just make sure to check the internal temperature before serving. You can tell the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. If you don’t have one, look for clear juices when you cut into the chicken. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done. The crust should be golden brown and crispy too. Parmesan crusted chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh garden salad adds crunch and color. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans are healthy and tasty. - Mashed potatoes or rice can help soak up the flavor. - For a light meal, you can serve it on a bed of quinoa. These options make a great balance with the rich flavors of the chicken. This post covered how to make delicious Parmesan crusted chicken in an air fryer. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. You learned ways to customize the recipe and how to store leftovers. Now, you can enjoy a tasty meal that is easy to make. Remember, cooking can be fun and rewarding! Get creative and share your versions with friends and family.$

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

A delicious and crispy chicken dish made in the air fryer, coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
to taste none Fresh parsley for garnish, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs together with Dijon mustard until fully combined.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then dip each breast into the egg mixture ensuring it's fully coated.
Next, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them for even cooking.
Cook the chicken at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board, sliced into medallions for an elegant presentation. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, crusted, Parmesan