Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken – Ready in Just 20 Minutes!

Looking for a quick, no-fuss dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is your go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you just want something crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious without the mess of deep frying.

This recipe delivers juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crunchy crust that rivals any restaurant dish — and the best part? It’s made with zero oil. That’s right, thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you’ll get all the texture and flavor of fried chicken, minus the grease.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Quick and easy – Done in 20 minutes flat!
  • Healthier than frying – No oil needed.
  • Crispy & flavorful – Parmesan, herbs, and Panko create the perfect crust.
  • Minimal cleanup – Fewer dishes, no greasy pans.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prep the Chicken
    Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Coat with Mayo
    Using a butter knife or the back of a spoon, spread a light layer of mayo over both sides of each chicken slice. This helps the crust stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
  3. Make the Crust Mixture
    In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan, Panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  4. Bread the Chicken
    Dredge each mayo-coated chicken piece in the crust mixture. Press down slightly so it sticks well.

🍗 Time to Cook:

  1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
    Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
  2. Air Fry to Perfection
    Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Parmesan crusted chicken hot out of the fryer with:

  • A creamy garlic aioli or ranch dip
  • Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies
  • A light side salad or coleslaw
  • Over pasta with marinara for a quick Chicken Parm twist

Slice it up for wraps, sandwiches, or a protein boost on your favorite salad. It’s super versatile!