How do you make parmesan crusted chicken in an air fryer?

To make parmesan crusted chicken in an air fryer, start by cutting chicken breasts in half horizontally and pounding them to even thickness. Mix mayonnaise with minced garlic and coat the chicken pieces completely. Then combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Press the mayo-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F, place the chicken in a single layer in the basket, and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Should you use grated or shredded parmesan for air fryer chicken?

Grated parmesan is the better choice for air fryer parmesan crusted chicken. The finer texture of grated parmesan mixes more uniformly with the breadcrumbs, creating a consistent coating that adheres well to the chicken. Shredded parmesan has larger pieces that can burn more easily in the air fryer and doesn't integrate as well into the breading mixture. If you only have shredded parmesan available, pulse it briefly in a food processor to achieve a finer texture before mixing with the breadcrumbs.

How long does air fryer parmesan crusted chicken take to cook?

Air fryer parmesan crusted chicken typically takes 13-15 minutes total cooking time. The first side needs approximately 8 minutes, then after flipping, the second side requires about 5-7 minutes. However, cooking times can vary based on your specific air fryer model, the thickness of your chicken pieces, and whether you're cooking in batches. Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the air fryer?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work excellently in this recipe and often yield juicier results. When using thighs, you'll need to adjust the cooking time slightly, typically adding 2-3 minutes to the total cooking time. While chicken breasts need to be cut and pounded thin, thighs have a more uniform thickness naturally, though you should still pound any particularly thick parts for even cooking. The higher fat content in thighs makes them more forgiving if slightly overcooked, but the same breading process applies.

How do you keep the parmesan crust crispy in an air fryer?

To ensure a crispy parmesan crust, first make sure your chicken is patted completely dry before applying the mayonnaise mixture. Use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs for maximum crispness. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with olive oil before air frying, which helps the coating brown and crisp properly. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as pieces need space around them for proper air circulation. If making multiple batches, place finished chicken on a wire rack rather than a plate to prevent steam from softening the crust while you complete the remaining pieces.

Can I freeze air fryer parmesan crusted chicken?

Yes, air fryer parmesan crusted chicken freezes well when properly prepared. After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely, then flash freeze the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 1-2 hours until firm. Transfer the individually frozen pieces to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, placing parchment paper between layers if stacking. Properly stored, the chicken will maintain good quality for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the frozen chicken in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Best Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe for Perfect Results

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Print Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, this air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is a quick and delicious dinner option ready in under 20 minutes.

Author: Chef Rina
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Olive oil spray
Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally and pound between plastic wrap to even thickness.
Mix mayonnaise and minced garlic in a small bowl, then coat chicken completely.
Combine panko, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Press each chicken piece into breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
Spray air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
Place chicken in basket in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes.
Flip chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary. Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as they can damage some air fryer baskets. Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 325 Kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe

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