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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast

crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken breasts with a golden parmesan crust, cooked perfectly in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (about 75 g)
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Olive oil spray or light brush of olive oil
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each breast to an even thickness, about ½ inch (1.3 cm).
  2. Lightly season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper.
  3. In one shallow bowl, beat two large eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chopped parsley (if using), lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place chicken breasts in a single layer with space between them. Spray the top of each breast lightly with olive oil.
  7. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-5 minutes until the crust is golden and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Add extra time if breasts are thicker.
  8. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking. Use freshly grated parmesan for best crust. Lightly brush or spray olive oil on crust before air frying to help browning. Preheat air fryer for crispier crust. Flip chicken carefully to avoid crust flaking. Rest chicken before slicing to keep juicy. For leftovers, reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep crust intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, Italian seasoning, panko crust

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-air-fryer-parmesan-crusted-chicken-breast-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/