Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken – boneless chicken breasts coated with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and Panko crumbs, air fried until golden and crispy.
The mayonnaise keeps the chicken wonderfully moist while the Parmesan and Panko form an irresistible crunchy crust. Air frying delivers a juicy interior and a crisp exterior in far less time than oven baking. Chicken is one of the easiest and most satisfying proteins to prepare in an air fryer. Scroll down for more air fryer chicken ideas and variations.
These chicken breasts cook in just 12 to 15 minutes in the air fryer. They finish faster than oven-baked chicken and develop a superior crispness on the outside.
How to make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Parmesan and mayonnaise already add salt, so you don’t need much.
- Spread mayonnaise over both sides of each chicken piece to help the coating adhere and to lock in moisture.
- Press the chicken into a mixture of Panko, freshly shredded Parmesan, and paprika so the crust sticks well.
- Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature so the crust starts crisping immediately.
- Spray the air fryer basket and the top of the chicken with a light coating of oil to promote even browning.
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Recipe Tips:
Today’s chicken breasts are often large and thick; slicing each breast in half horizontally to create two thinner cutlets speeds cooking and ensures more even results. Thinner pieces also make better portion sizes.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer to restore crispness, or slice and serve cold atop a salad.
If you prefer not to slice the breasts, choose smaller or naturally thinner chicken breasts. Thicker pieces will need additional cooking time—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes:
- Air Fryer Reuben Hasselback Chicken
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Tenders
Great Sides for Serving with This Recipe:
- Bacon Cauliflower Salad
- Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
- Healthy Apple Coleslaw
- Skinny Southern Green Beans
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Boneless chicken breasts coated in mayonnaise, Parmesan, and Panko, air fried until crisp and golden.
Dinner, main dish
American
air fryer, chicken breasts
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
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Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to make two thinner pieces and season with salt and pepper.
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In a shallow dish combine Panko, freshly shredded Parmesan, and paprika.
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Spread mayonnaise on both sides of each chicken piece.
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Press both sides of the mayonnaise-coated chicken into the Panko-Parmesan mixture so the coating adheres well.
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Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (about 200°C).
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Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the tops of the coated chicken with oil. Place the pieces in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Nutritional info is provided as an estimate only and can vary based on brands, measuring methods, and cooking techniques.
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