If you love crispy, cheesy chicken but want to skip the hassle (and extra calories) of deep frying, you’re going to flip for this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It’s crunchy, juicy, and bursting with savory parmesan flavor—all made quick and easy thanks to your air fryer!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Ridiculously Crispy Without Deep Frying: The air fryer gives you all the crunch of classic fried chicken with a fraction of the oil.
- Bursting with Parmesan Flavor: Freshly grated cheese combines with Italian panko for that melty, savory bite in every forkful.
- Quick and Weeknight-Friendly: From start to finish, Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is on your table in about 20 minutes.
- No Mess, No Fuss: Ditch the messy breading stations—this recipe uses a simple, streamlined topping and easy cleanup.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe proves that you don’t need a mile-long list to whip up something crave-worthy—just a handful of classic, high-impact ingredients come together to create irresistible Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Let each one bring its flavor and texture to the table, and don’t be afraid to swap or adjust based on what you have!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use fresh, evenly sized pieces for juicy results; pound to uniform thickness if needed for even cooking.
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): This smears over the chicken to help the crust stick and adds a subtle tangy flavor—Greek yogurt works as a lighter option.
- Italian-style panko crumbs: These seasoned, extra-crunchy breadcrumbs give you unbeatable texture and herby notes; plain panko plus Italian seasoning works in a pinch.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a melty, crispy crust loaded with flavor; pre-grated works if you’re in a rush.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a subtle smokiness to the topping.
- Kosher salt and ground pepper: Don’t skip these basics—they balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Brushing or spraying a little in the basket helps prevent sticking and boosts the golden crunch factor.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If your pieces are different sizes, gently pound them to an even thickness—this ensures they cook at the same rate and stay gloriously juicy inside. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Smear with Sour Cream
Spread a thin layer of sour cream or Greek yogurt over the top of each chicken breast. This acts as delectable “glue” for your crispy topping—it not only helps the coating stick but adds an irresistible creaminess and tang!
Step 3: Coat with Parmesan Panko Mixture
In a medium bowl, stir together the Italian panko crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, a pinch of salt, and a little pepper. Generously pat the crumb mixture right onto the sour cream–coated side, pressing so it really sticks. That savory, cheesy crust is pure magic once it crisps up in the air fryer!
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lightly brush or spray your air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking (and maximize crunch). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer—no overlapping please! Give the tops a little mist of oil if you’d like an extra golden finish.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, then cook the chicken for 12 minutes. Flip each piece gently, then air fry for another 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a deep golden crust and a juicy interior (a thermometer should read 165°F).
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a zip of color and extra freshness—don’t hesitate to hit the plate with a generous squeeze of lemon or a dusting of extra parmesan just before serving. That simple finishing touch makes the flavors pop!
Side Dishes
This chicken is wildly versatile—pair it with a crisp arugula salad, buttery garlic noodles, or some simple roasted vegetables for a deliciously balanced meal. If you want to keep things extra-cozy, garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are phenomenal alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice it into strips and pile onto a Caesar salad, tuck it into a sandwich with arugula and tomato, or slice it over creamy risotto for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. You can even cut the chicken into tenders before breading for kid-friendly, dippable pieces!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store cooled Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy crust will soften a bit, but it’s still delicious for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken! Let it cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly and pop into a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For the best crunch, reheat your leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes, or until warmed through. The oven also works in a pinch—you want that topping nice and crisp again!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they can be slightly smaller and may cook faster—always check that the internal temperature is 165°F.
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What if I don’t have Italian-style panko?
You can use regular panko and just add about a teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, and parsley). It’s a simple swap and still delicious!
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Can I make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based sour cream or yogurt for the sour cream, and use dairy-free parmesan alternatives available at most grocery stores. The crust will still crisp up beautifully.
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How do I avoid a soggy crust?
For the crispiest results, avoid overlapping the chicken in the air fryer basket, use a light layer of sour cream (not too thick), and don’t forget to brush or spray a little oil for maximum crunch!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken in your own kitchen—it’s one of those recipes that feels extra-special but comes together in a flash. Share it with family, friends, or just treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!
Print
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a crispy and flavorful dish. The combination of sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings creates a delicious crust on tender chicken breasts, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 Boneless skinless chicken breast (6–8 ounces each)
Coating:
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup Italian Style Panko Crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Coat the chicken: Coat each piece of chicken with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Prepare the coating: Combine panko, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Apply the coating: Pat the cheese mixture onto the chicken.
- Oil the basket: Lightly spray or brush olive oil onto the air fryer basket.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Chicken thickness can affect cooking time, ensure even thickness or pound them.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
