Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden crust of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs make for an irresistible meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. With the air fryer, you can achieve that coveted crunch without the excess oil, giving you a dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also easy to customize, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation. So let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken lies in its simplicity and the use of a few key ingredients that work in harmony to create a mouth-watering dish. The combination of finely grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs ensures a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the moist chicken inside. The air fryer circulates hot air, cooking the chicken evenly while allowing the coating to crisp up perfectly. Additionally, the garlic powder and seasoning blend enhance the flavor, making it a family favorite every time.
What to Buy
To make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large thick boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise (to create 4 thinner-cut breast filets; or 4 smaller breasts)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing if desired
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Lemon wedges, optional for garnishing
Essential Tools for Success
- Air Fryer: The star of the show! Choose a model with a basket that allows for even cooking.
- Meat Mallet: Perfect for flattening the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Shallow Bowls: For breading the chicken, having separate bowls for flour, eggs, and the cheese-breadcrumb mixture is essential.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken and transferring it between bowls and the air fryer.
- Meat Thermometer: To check for doneness, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked.
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner filets. If you have smaller breasts, you can skip this step. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In three shallow bowls, prepare your breading station. In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the finely grated Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Take each chicken filet and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the Parmesan and panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that golden crust.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the breaded chicken filets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to work in batches. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty touch.
Adaptations for Special Diets
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and Parmesan cheese instead of panko for a low-carb option.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for flavor.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Troubles You Can Avoid
To ensure your Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken comes out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not skip patting the chicken dry; this helps the breading stick better.
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated to get that crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; overcooked chicken can become dry.
Prep Ahead & Store
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can bread the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Here are some storage tips:
- Uncooked breaded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- You can also freeze the uncooked breaded chicken. Just make sure to separate the filets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Common Qs About Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to reach the proper temperature.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even pasta. You can also slice it up for sandwiches or wraps!
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can use buttermilk or a dairy-free milk alternative mixed with a bit of cornstarch as a substitute for eggs in the breading process.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is not only flavorful and satisfying but also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, it’s bound to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s quick enough for any night of the week. Bon appétit!
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner filets. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In three shallow bowls, prepare your breading station. In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken filet in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it in the Parmesan and panko mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange the breaded chicken filets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry for better coating adherence.
- Preheat the air fryer for a crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
