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Oh, friends, if you are looking for the ultimate quick and easy dinner, this is it! This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a total weeknight hero. Imagine a perfectly juicy, tender chicken breast coated in a crunchy, golden-brown crust of savory Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. It tastes like an indulgent classic (think air fry chicken parmesan!) but it’s so much lighter and faster. It’s the perfect, beautiful balance of a comforting, crunchy, savory meal and a clean eating air fryer recipe.

Serving Versatility

This parmesan air fryer chicken is amazing all on its own, making it a perfect low-carb main dish. But it’s also so versatile! Slice it up and lay it over a fresh Caesar salad, serve it alongside a simple pasta with marinara, or pair it with roasted veggies (like asparagus or broccoli) for a complete, healthy meal.

Full Recipe Section

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10-12 minutes Total time: 22 minutes Servings: 4 (Perfect for “quick and easy dinner recipes for two air fryer” – just halve it!) Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per cutlet

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Prep Station: Set up three shallow bowls for a breading station. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk the eggs.
2. Make Crust: In the third bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets completely dry with a paper towel.
4. Bread Chicken: Working one cutlet at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it fully into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on both sides.
5. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer (you will likely need to work in two batches).
6. Cook: Spray the tops of the chicken cutlets with olive oil spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
7. Serve: Serve immediately while hot and wonderfully crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• So Incredibly Fast: This is one of the best recipes for dinner air fryer fans! It goes from prep to plate in about 20 minutes.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples to create a meal that feels special.
• Big, Cozy Flavor: That savory, cheesy, “air fried parmesan crusted chicken” crust is so crunchy and satisfying.
• Clean Eating Air Fryer: It’s packed with lean protein and gives you all the crunch of frying with just a tiny bit of oil.
• Versatile: You can change up the spices easily. Add smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick!

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)

The magic of this recipe is, of course, the air fryer! It’s essentially a small, powerful convection oven. The circulating hot air is what gets the Panko-Parmesan crust incredibly crispy and golden, far crunchier than a regular oven, while cooking the chicken quickly so it stays perfectly juicy and tender inside. It’s the secret to that “fried” texture without the oil.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Pasta: Serve alongside or on top of a simple spaghetti with marinara or a creamy alfredo.
2. Low-Carb: Pair it with a side of zucchini noodles or a fresh, big Caesar salad.
3. Classic Comfort: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or creamy mashed potatoes.
4. Chicken Parm Style: Top the cooked chicken with a spoonful of marinara and a slice of mozzarella, then pop it back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until melted.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Thin Cutlets: Slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally (or pounding them thin) is the key. It ensures the chicken cooks through at the same time the crust gets golden.
• Pat it Dry: Pat your chicken dry with paper towels before flouring. This helps the breading stick.
• Press Firmly: When you get to the Panko-Parmesan step, press the chicken firmly into the mixture to get a nice, thick, even crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd: This is the #1 air fryer rule! Cook the chicken in a single layer. If you crowd the basket, the chicken will steam instead of crisp.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The air fryer is your best friend! Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This will bring that amazing crunch right back, way better than a microwave!

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I am so excited for you to try this Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe! It has become an absolute staple in my house for a quick, cozy, and healthy dinner. I just know you’ll love it! If you give it a try, please leave a comment and a rating below!

🎀 Final Thoughts

This is my “I’m craving chicken parm but I don’t have an hour” meal. It’s so fast, and that first crunch when you bite into it is just so satisfying. It makes a regular Tuesday feel a little special, and my family just gobbles it up!