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; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated; 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

There's something so satisfying about biting into tender chicken with a crispy, cheesy crust—it's comfort food elevated. This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe does exactly that, crisping the crust perfectly while keeping the inside juicy, all in a fraction of the usual time.

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 have to admit, I was a little skeptical the first time I made this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe—would it really get that golden crust without deep frying? Spoiler: it does, and without the mess! Plus, it’s ready way faster than oven-baking.

Quick crispiness: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy cheese and breadcrumb crust in just 12 minutes.
Juicy inside: The mayo coating locks in moisture so the chicken remains tender and not dry.
Simple ingredients: You likely have everything on hand—no fancy sauces or special pantry items needed.
Easy to customize: Swap mayo for egg whites or tweak seasonings to suit your taste effortlessly.

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

Every ingredient serves a purpose here—each one adds flavor or texture that makes this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe shine. And you don’t want to skip or substitute key components unless you know what you’re doing, because they all play their part in that beautiful crust and juicy interior.

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 keeps things lean and allows for quick, even cooking.
Mayonnaise: Sounds funny, but it’s the secret to moist chicken and helps the coating stick perfectly.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds sharp, nutty flavor plus helps crisp up the coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give the crust its signature light, airy crunch.
Garlic powder: A punch of savory depth without overpowering.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that pairs beautifully with parmesan and chicken.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and color.
Black pepper (freshly ground): For a bit of gentle heat and kick.
Sea salt: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.

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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

I love playing with this recipe depending on the mood or what I have on hand. It’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak it a bit; you’ll enjoy making it your own.

Variation: For a lighter version, I sometimes swap out mayonnaise for egg whites—it still does a great job helping the coating stick, and it cuts calories.
Spice it up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder if you want a subtle spicy kick.
Herb twist: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil folded into the breadcrumb mixture bring a bright freshness.
Flavored mayo: Mix some lemon zest or Dijon mustard into the mayo for a tangier crust.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken for the Best Crust

I start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to make two thinner pieces—this helps them cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Then, pat them dry so the coating sticks better. Spreading mayonnaise evenly is key; it might feel unusual at first, but trust me, it keeps the meat juicy and the coating intact. Using a butter knife, I spread a thin layer on both sides.

Step 2: Mix Your Coating and Coat the Chicken

Next, I combine freshly grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and sea salt in a wide bowl. Having this in one shallow dish makes dredging the chicken easy. I press the coating firmly onto each side of the mayo-covered chicken to make sure every bite gets that beautiful crust.

Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. I arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Cooking takes about 12 minutes total—flip them halfway to get an even golden crust all around. You'll notice the smell wafting up before the timer even ends—hard to resist!

Top Tip

After a few attempts, I realized a couple of things really helped nail this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe every time. These tips have saved me from dry chicken or a soggy coating, and I want you to benefit from them too!

Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cooking the chicken in a single layer lets the hot air circulate and crisp the coating perfectly.
Pat down the coating: Pressing the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the mayo helps it adhere better and produces a crunchier crust.
Flip halfway through: Flipping ensures both sides get equally golden—don’t skip this step!
Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be fine, but freshly shredded parmesan really enhances flavor and texture.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves to add a bright, fresh pop that balances the richness of the crust. A lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over the top gives it a little zing that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for something light or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a warm side. Mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles also make for a hearty combo that everyone at the table will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the chicken into strips and serve it over a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice pilaf, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. It instantly makes the dish feel elevated and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the chicken cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and the coating stays fairly crisp if you reheat properly.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too! After cooking and cooling, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes—it crisps the crust back up nicely without drying out the chicken. Avoid the microwave if you can; it makes the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, but since they’re thicker, you may need to adjust the air fryer cooking time accordingly—usually a bit longer. Just watch for a nice golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can achieve similar results by baking the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried, it’ll still be delicious and cheesy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken with mayo and coating, then keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This can even deepen the flavors. Just let the chicken come to room temperature before air frying for even cooking.

Is mayonnaise necessary?

Mayonnaise acts as a binding agent and keeps the chicken moist, but if you’re not a fan, egg whites work well as a substitute. Just brush them on before dredging in the parmesan and breadcrumbs. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Recipe quickly became a go-to for me on busy weeknights because it’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. The crispy, cheesy crust paired with juicy chicken is something I never tire of, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much. Next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner that’s both easy and impressive, give this a shot—you might find yourself making it on rotation too!