Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated; 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

There’s nothing quite like the crispy, golden crust of a perfectly cooked chicken breast—especially when it’s coated with savory Parmesan cheese. This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is my go-to for quick dinners with that comforting crunch and rich flavor that feels so indulgent yet comes together effortlessly.

Two pieces of crispy golden breaded chicken lie flat on a round white plate. The chicken has a crunchy texture with a mix of light and darker golden brown shades, sprinkled with small green herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. To the top right of the plate, there is a silver knife and fork resting beside a light blue-green cloth napkin. Part of another white bowl filled with roasted potatoes is faintly visible at the top left corner. A small bowl with red dipping sauce can be seen at the bottom left edge of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why this dish keeps me coming back. The balance of crispy breadcrumbs with that unmistakable Parmesan tang hits all the right notes. Plus, because it’s air-fried, it’s less messy and cooks up quicker than baking or frying in oil.

Speedy Cooking: From prep to plate in about 20 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Perfect Crunch: The panko and Parmesan combo crisps up beautifully in the air fryer without excess oil.
Simple Ingredients: Things you probably already have in your pantry, with no fancy steps.
Super Versatile: Easily customize the seasonings or sides to suit your mood or dietary needs.

Inside a black air fryer basket, three pieces of golden brown fried chicken lie flat without overlapping. Each chicken piece has a crispy, rough, and crumbly texture with a mix of light and darker brown shades, indicating a crunchy crust. The black basket has a patterned base with small holes, showing some breadcrumb crumbs scattered around the chicken. The basket sits on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe thrives on simple, fresh ingredients that blend together to give you that crispy, cheesy, and savory finish. Here’s what makes each one key:

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with a light dusting of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless for even cooking and easy slicing after air frying.
Mayonnaise: It’s my secret weapon to lock in moisture and help the coating stick perfectly. If you’re not a mayo fan, egg whites do the trick too.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a game changer! It adds rich umami and a slightly nutty crunch that pre-grated just can’t match.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give you that ultra-light, irresistible crunch in the crust.
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper: They layer flavor so you get more than just plain crispy chicken—this seasoning combo packs a punch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes. I often switch up the seasonings or add a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick on busy weeknights.

Variation: Try swapping mayo for Greek yogurt if you want a tangier crust, or mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright freshness I adore in spring.
Gluten-Free Modification: Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes to have everyone at the table enjoy it.
Heat Level: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First things first—slice your chicken breasts horizontally to make thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly, which is super helpful when you’re short on time. Pat each piece dry to make sure the coating sticks. Then, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on both sides. This not only adds moisture but gives the breadcrumb mixture something to cling to.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

In a shallow, wide bowl, toss together the Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Make sure it’s well combined—this is where all your flavor is coming from, so don't skimp on the seasoning.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in the Parmesan mixture. Press down lightly with your fingers so that the coating really sticks. This step is crucial for building that crispy texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (about 190°C). Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer—don’t overcrowd, or you won’t get that crispy finish. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You'll notice the coating turning perfectly golden and crunchy. If you’re cooking more than a couple pieces, air fry in batches for the best results.

Top Tip

Over time, I've learned a few tricks that make this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe really shine. Trust me, these helped me get consistently crispy and juicy results.

Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Moisture on chicken means soggy coating. Pat dry thoroughly for that perfect crunch.
Press the Crust Down: Gently press the coating on the chicken so it adheres well and doesn’t flake off during cooking.
Flip Halfway Through: This helps brown both sides evenly, keeping everything crispy.
Space Pieces Out: Crowding the air fryer basket creates steam, not crispiness—cook in batches if needed.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the rich Parmesan crust perfectly. A wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze over just before eating brightens everything up in the best way.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, some roasted veggies, or even creamy mashed potatoes. I’ve also served it alongside garlic butter pasta or steamed broccoli for a wholesome meal. The crispy chicken and lighter sides feel balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like slicing the chicken thinly and layering it over a bed of arugula or baby spinach with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a stunning plate that’s as tasty as it is pretty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftover chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The trick is to let the chicken cool completely before sealing it—this avoids sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, reheating carefully maintains its crispy crust.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. After cooking, cool and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4–5 minutes. This refreshes that crispy texture without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can be used in this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly—about 14-15 minutes should do, flipping halfway. Make sure to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What’s the best way to make sure the coating sticks well?

Patting the chicken dry before applying mayo is crucial. Then press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and avoid moving the pieces too much once placed in the air fryer. This helps the crust stay intact and crispy.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe an easy fix for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How can I keep the chicken juicy and not dry it out?

Using mayonnaise or egg whites to coat the chicken before breading helps lock in moisture. Also, avoid overcooking by sticking to the recommended air frying times and checking the internal temperature to not exceed 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight arsenal because it’s just so reliable—crispy, easy, and packed with flavor every single time. I hope you find yourself reaching for it as often as I do, whether you're cooking for one or serving up a quick family meal. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe box too!