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

Nothing beats a golden, crispy crust with just the right amount of cheesy goodness. This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is one I turn to when I want dinner that's quick, flavorful, and so satisfying. The air fryer gives the chicken a perfect crunch without deep-frying, which feels like a little win for both taste and health.

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

I love how this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe combines simplicity with a wow factor. It’s comfort food that feels a little fancy, and the air fryer makes the whole process so quick and hands-off. Once you try it, this chicken will probably become your go-to weeknight dinner.

Crispy Perfection: Thanks to the air fryer and the parmesan-panko crust, you get a crisp exterior that’s a dream to bite into.
Simple Ingredients: You only need basics like parmesan, panko, spices, and a bit of mayo. Plus, it's pantry-friendly and budget-friendly too.
Quick Dinner Fix: From prep to plate in 20 minutes—ideal for busy nights or last-minute plans.
Customizable: Easy to tweak for your tastes or dietary needs without losing that delicious crust.

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

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe plays a key role in texture and flavor. The combination of parmesan, panko crumbs, and seasonings creates that crave-worthy crispy coating, while the mayo keeps the chicken juicy and helps the crust stick.

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: Using boneless, skinless breasts makes the cooking quick and the texture tender without too much fat.
Mayonnaise: Acts as a glue for the topping and keeps the chicken moist — a nice little secret in this recipe.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers an intense cheesy flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.
Panko breadcrumbs: Their texture is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, perfect for that irresistible crunch.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: Brings an aromatic blend of herbs that complement the cheese and chicken nicely.
Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and color to the crust.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is key here for a bright, sharp hint of spice.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors — adjust to your preference.

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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 love experimenting with this recipe by switching up the coating or adding extra spices depending on my mood. Don't be afraid to make it your own—you'll enjoy it even more!

Variation: Sometimes I swap mayo for whisked egg whites, which lightens the coating but still helps it stick wonderfully.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want a spicy kick.
Herb twist: Fresh chopped parsley or basil mixed into the crumb coating can freshen the flavor profile beautifully.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep it safe and crispy without sacrificing crunch.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken With Care

First things first, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces. This makes the chicken cook evenly and faster. Patting the pieces dry before spreading mayo helps the crust stick better and prevents sogginess. I like to use a butter knife so I can spread the mayo evenly without tearing the meat.

Step 2: Mix Up the Parmesan Coating

In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mixing well with a fork ensures your coating is evenly seasoned. I often give it a quick taste — yes, the dry mix! — to make sure the seasoning feels balanced before coating the chicken.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Dredge each chicken piece in the parmesan mixture, pressing lightly so the coating clings to both sides. Don’t rush this part — the more even your crust, the better it tastes. I sometimes use my hands for this; just be sure to wash up afterward!

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (about 193°C). Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding—you want plenty of hot air circulating. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is crisp, golden chicken that’s juicy inside. I like to keep an eye toward the end to avoid overcooking — every air fryer heats a bit differently.

Top Tip

These tips come from my kitchen trials and can make the difference between good and unforgettable.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat for that immediate sizzle when chicken hits the basket, locking in moisture and crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give each piece its own space. I've learned the hard way that crowding equals soggy spots instead of crunch.
Pat the Coating: Press the crumb mixture gently but firmly onto the chicken to prevent it from falling off mid-cook.
Flip Once: Turn the chicken only one time halfway through to help both sides cook evenly and keep the crust intact.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a light drizzle of lemon juice. The herb adds color and brightness, and the lemon cuts through the richness perfectly. You can also toss on some extra grated parmesan for good measure.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this chicken? Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. When I want something lighter, a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is fantastic. The key pairing for me is something fresh and slightly acidic to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I slice the chicken and arrange the pieces like a fan on the plate, topped with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes. A side ramekin of marinara or garlic aioli adds flair and makes the meal feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to use the air fryer again to bring back that crisp crust rather than the microwave, which tends to make it soggy.

Freezing

I've frozen coated but uncooked chicken pieces, wrapped tightly and placed in freezer bags. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and air fry as usual. This saves me prep time on busy evenings.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken at 350°F in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes. This keeps the coating crispy and the inside juicy. If you’re short on time, you can microwave, but I always recommend the air fryer for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer in the air fryer to cook through.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can swap regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed crackers for panko. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a little different; panko is lighter and airier.

How do I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese and a dairy-free mayonnaise or egg wash. This will give a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Should I flip the chicken during cooking?

Yes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps both sides get evenly crispy and ensures thorough cooking inside.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation because it's just that good and trustworthy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—you’ll find it’s not just a recipe but a way to turn regular chicken night into something a little special. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!