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 as satisfying as biting into crispy, golden chicken that's bursting with flavor—especially when it's easy to make. This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe achieves just that, combining a crunchy parmesan crust with juicy chicken inside, all cooked effortlessly in the air fryer. It's my go-to when I want a quick, impressive meal without the mess of frying.

Two pieces of breaded fried chicken with a crispy golden-brown crust sit side by side in a white bowl. The coating is textured with small crunchy bits and has a warm orange hue with green herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, near a fork and knife placed on a soft blue cloth napkin. Part of another white bowl with roasted potato wedges is visible in the top left corner, along with a small dish of red dipping sauce at the bottom left. 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

I have to admit, I didn't expect the air fryer to deliver such a fantastic texture on parmesan chicken, but it totally amazed me. The crust stays perfectly crispy without any fuss, and the chicken remains tender and juicy—a combo that’s tough to beat for a simple dinner.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Less Messy Cooking: No deep frying means less oil splatter and less clean-up—always a win.
Crispy, Crunchy Crust: The parmesan and panko mixture crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you restaurant-quality texture at home.
Customizable Flavors: Easily tweak the seasoning to suit your taste, from smoky paprika to herby Italian spices.

Three pieces of golden brown breaded chicken sit inside a black air fryer basket with a grid-like pattern. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture with small, light and dark brown crumbs visible all over the surface. The air fryer basket edges are slightly raised and vented, and it is placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth with fringe detail nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe plays a key role. From the creamy mayonnaise that helps the coating stick, to the sharp parmesan and crunchy panko breadcrumbs that create that irresistible crust—these flavors and textures come together beautifully.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with a reddish-orange paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with pale garlic powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed 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: Boneless and skinless for easy slicing and quick cooking—essential for an even Parmesan crust.
Mayonnaise: I love using mayo as it keeps the chicken moist and acts as a glue for the coating. If mayo isn’t your thing, egg whites can work too.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty flavor and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are extra crunchy, making the crust much better than regular breadcrumbs.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, mellow garlic flavor—easy and effective seasoning.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor with oregano, basil, and thyme.
Paprika: For a mild smoky undertone and a beautiful color on the crust.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a bit of bite and balance to the cheesy coating.
Sea salt: Just a touch to enhance all the other flavors—adjust to your taste.

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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

I like to keep it classic, but trust me, you can have a lot of fun customizing this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Whether you want to add a little heat or swap out seasonings, you’ll find it’s super adaptable.

Spicy Variation: I sometimes mix a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the breadcrumb mix for an extra kick; it gives the crust a nice warm balance with the Parmesan.
Dairy-Free Swap: If you need to avoid dairy, try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and use an egg wash instead of mayo for coating.
Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme can be stirred into the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant twist.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Properly

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step is key for getting the coating to stick properly. Then spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on both sides; this locks in moisture and helps the crust cling.

Step 2: Mix Your Parmesan Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mixing this together thoroughly ensures every bite is packed with flavor and crunch. Trust me, don’t skip the freshly grated Parmesan—it makes a huge difference!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each mayo-coated chicken piece in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well—don’t be shy about patting it on. Both sides need to be well-coated for that perfect crust.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket—crowding will cause soggy spots, so cook in batches if needed. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them the first time you make this; air fryer models vary, and you want golden, not burnt!

Top Tip

From my kitchen experiments, these tips have made a big difference in how well this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe turns out. Keep these in mind and you’ll impress yourself!

Pat Dry First: Moisture on the chicken is the enemy of a crispy crust—dry those pieces before mayo and coating.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers need room for hot air circulation. Keep space between pieces for even crispiness.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated won’t give the same flavor or melt as nicely as freshly grated cheese.
Flip Halfway: This ensures both sides brown evenly without burning.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving—it brightens the dish and adds a fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even garlic butter pasta. One of my favorites is steamed broccoli with lemon—simple, healthy, and it balances the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served sliced Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken over a bed of creamy risotto with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It instantly turns a weeknight staple into something elegant that people remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken stores best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, I recommend placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen cooked chicken pieces by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep or quick dinners on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispiness without drying it out. Microwaving tends to make it soggy, so avoid that if you want to keep the crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will stay very juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly—usually 13-15 minutes depending on thickness.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake this in an oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes on a wire rack to get a similar crispy effect, flipping halfway through. However, the air fryer will give you the best crunch with less oil.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use egg whites or a dairy-free mayo substitute for coating. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Alternatively, cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s fast, flavorful, and reliable. It’s one of those meals that feels a little fancy but requires minimal effort, which is just my kind of cooking. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.