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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken Breast

crispy air fryer parmesan herb crusted chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer recipe that delivers a golden, crispy Parmesan herb crust with juicy, tender chicken breasts. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs (optional, can use gluten-free or whole wheat)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb mix (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or mild oil for spraying

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch (2 cm) if needed.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  4. Press each chicken breast firmly into the Parmesan herb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Set aside on a plate.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
  7. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
  8. Cook for 7-9 minutes, then carefully flip with tongs and cook for another 7-9 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Press coating firmly onto chicken to prevent flaking. Preheat air fryer for best crust. Flip chicken only once during cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a looser crust, a quick 1-2 minute broil can help set it. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, Parmesan crusted chicken, herb crusted chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken option