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; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated; ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground; ¼ teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

There’s something undeniably satisfying about that crispy, golden Parmesan crust paired with tender chicken — and this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe nails that texture and flavor every time. It’s quick, fuss-free, and perfect for a cozy dinner or casual get-together.

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’m genuinely excited to share this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. The air fryer crisps up the crust perfectly without the mess of deep frying, so you get that great crunch and juicy inside without any guilt.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in about 20 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Perfect Crisp Every Time: The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy crust that’s hard to resist.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, so no last-minute grocery runs.
Customizable Flavor: Tweak the spices or coatings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

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

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture without complicating things. The combo of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs creates that crunchy, savory coating, while a light spread of mayo helps everything stick and adds moist richness.

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 make for quick cooking and easy slicing post-cook.
Mayonnaise: Acts as a binder and keeps the chicken moist inside the crisp crust.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into that golden crust and delivers intense umami.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to extra crunch – they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika: These spices layer in flavor making every bite interesting.
Black pepper and sea salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing out the richness.

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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

One thing I love about this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to play around with the flavors. You can brighten it with a squeeze of lemon, or if you don't do mayo, using egg whites works just as well to hold the coating. Feel free to toss in your favorite herbs or a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.

Variation: I once swapped the mayo for Greek yogurt with a dash of mustard—turns out just as creamy and tangy, perfect for a slightly lighter twist.

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

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

I start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to make thinner pieces that cook evenly and quickly. Patting them dry is crucial — it helps the mayonnaise stay put, which means your coating sticks better. Spread a thin layer of mayo on both sides; it’s your glue for that delicious crust.

Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Coating

In a wide shallow bowl, I whisk together fresh grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and the spices—garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Make sure they're evenly combined for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Dredge each chicken piece into the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so it sticks well. I like to do one side at a time and pat down firmly with my hands—this step really makes the difference in how crunchy the crust turns out.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (that’s key for crispiness). Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket — no overcrowding, or you’ll lose that crunch. Cook for 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The chicken comes out juicy inside with a perfectly golden crust on the outside.

Top Tip

Through lots of trial and error making this recipe, I’ve found a few tricks that really help you get that perfect crunch and juicy bite every time. I’m sharing them here to save you the hassle.

Dry Chicken First: Patting the chicken dry before applying mayo helps the coating stick better — don’t skip this.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each piece enough breathing room so the air fryer can crisp all sides evenly.
Flip Halfway: Turning the chicken around halfway through cooking ensures both sides get that beautiful golden crust.
Freshly Grate Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated gives a richer flavor and better melting crust.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or basil right after the chicken comes out of the fryer — it adds a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness. A drizzle of lemon juice is my quick go-to for brightening up the dish.

Side Dishes

Pair the chicken with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic roasted veggies for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto are great if you want something cozy and comforting alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, slice the chicken into strips and serve on a platter with an assortment of dipping sauces — ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It stays tasty for up to 3 days. When packing it away, layer parchment paper between pieces if stacking to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

I often freeze the coated chicken breasts before air frying — just lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To keep that crisp crust upon reheating, I always pop leftovers back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. The crust revives nicely without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and can be even juicier. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer in the air fryer.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can brush the chicken with egg whites or even a light coating of olive oil. Both will help the Parmesan coating stick while keeping the chicken moist.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure to pat your chicken dry first and spread a thin layer of mayo or egg wash to help the coating stick. Press the coating firmly into the chicken to create a better bond before air frying.

Can I cook multiple pieces at once in the air fryer?

It’s best not to overcrowd the basket. Cooking in batches ensures even airflow so that each piece crisps up nicely. Overcrowding may lead to soggy spots and uneven cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight favorites because it delivers that perfect crispy crust with juicy chicken inside without any heavy frying or fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your kitchen too.