This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken has a crispy Parmesan coating and juicy chicken inside. It takes about 20 minutes to make and tastes like restaurant chicken with very little effort.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights because you only need a handful of pantry ingredients, and the air fryer does most of the work.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients
Simple Ingredients
Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and creates a crispier crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Leave a little space between each piece of chicken so the hot air can circulate evenly and crisp every side.
- Spray with cooking spray. Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before air frying. This helps the Parmesan coating turn extra golden and crispy.
- Cook to the right temperature. Use a meat thermometer and cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
- Flip halfway through cooking. Turning the chicken halfway through helps both sides brown evenly. Let it rest. Allow the chicken to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving so the juices stay locked inside.
Be sure to check out the full Printable recipe and ingredient list below
Step-by-Step Directions
- Split chicken breasts in half.
- Pound each piece with a meat hammer. ( so they are even )
- Season each piece of chicken with salt and pepper.
- Spread Mayo on both sides of each piece of chicken.
- Mix panko, parmesan, and garlic powder( for keto, skip the panko)
- Coat each piece of chicken in the panko/parmesan mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390.
- In a single layer, place it in the air fryer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, turning once after 10 minutes.
Mix Seasonings and Flour 
Coat Chicken with Mayonaise 
Coat with panko bread crumb mix 
Both sides press down 
Place in single layer in air fryer 
Flip over
Variations:
🍗 Make It Spicy
Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the Parmesan coating for a little extra heat.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan
Mix an extra teaspoon of garlic powder into the breading for even more savory garlic flavor.
🌿 Italian Herb Parmesan Chicken
Stir 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture for a classic Italian flavor boost.
🍗 Use Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay incredibly juicy. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time depending on their size.
🌾 Make It Gluten-Free
Swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-friendly without sacrificing the crispy coating.
FAQs For Air Fryer Chicken
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Best Side Dish to go with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken features juicy chicken coated in a crispy Parmesan crust that's full of flavor. Ready in about 20 minutes, it's a simple weeknight dinner the whole family will request again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 Large Chicken breasts
- 1 cup Parmesan shredded
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 1 tbs garlic powder
Instructions
- Split chicken breasts in half.
- Pound each piece with a meat hammer. ( so they are even )
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Spread Mayo on both sides of each piece of chicken.
- Mix panko, parmesan, and garlic powder( for keto, skip the panko)
- Coat each piece of chicken in the panko/parmesan mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390.
- In a single layer, place it in the air fryer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, turning once after 10 minutes.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before coating to help the Parmesan mixture stick.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and the crispiest crust.
Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before air frying to help it brown and become extra crispy.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed so the hot air can circulate.
Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your air fryer model.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 Amounts Per Serving: Calories: 663Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 930mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 30g
What readers are saying:
Readers who have made this recipe are raving about it! Here is what they had to say after feeding their family:
Love air fryer recipes especially since am cooking for just my hubby and me!!
I’d like to like you on Facebook as well as getting your recipes.
The parmesan crusted chicken was one of my first recipes in my Instant Pot Vortex air fryer. Didn’t have regular mayo so I used creamy horseradish sauce. Crunchy on the outside juicy on the inside and a little spicy. Absolutely delicious! Keep the air fryer recipes coming so easy.
Could Miracle Whip be used in place of mayo? Looks so yummy!
@Patricia Pinney, I use Miracle Whip instead of Mayo. Tastes great!
This recipe sounds great! Can I use anything besides mayo on the chicken?
I was wondering the same thing as I hate mayo haha! I usually use an egg wash or sometimes heavy cream, I was thinking of trying one of those instead of the mayo.
@Julie, I will probably use buttermilk for this recipe.It is thick enough for the coating to adhere and has almost no taste once cooked. I like mayo but don’t like to cook with it for some reason.
@Julie, you can’t taste the Mayo. My husband hates Mayo as well and he will eat this.
@Vicki, you can also use sour cream. All these choices just hold in the moisture.
@Julie, I was thinking of using ranch dressing or yogurt
@Julie,
I would try sour cream. I use that in my oven recipe for French fried onion chicken.
I use egg instead! Much healthier binder. Came out great!
I made this tonight as a chicken parm sandwich for my fiance and he said that it was crispy and very tasty. Very good is huge from him lol. I will save and make again for him with our new air fryer.
I just got a Corosi air fryer and this was the first chicken recipe I’ve tried. Turned out great! I added a little garlic salt and cayenne pepper to the panko mix. Thank you!
@mc, Garlic powder = YES! Garlic salt = NOOO!
I need to eat gluten-free and I tried this recipe with gluten-free panko bread crumbs and it was delicious! I will be making this often! Thank you!
@Julie Bearman, My husband has Celiac have you tried gluten free tortilla’s in the air fryer ?
This air fryer chicken recipe does not say what setting to have on. Air crisp? Roast ? Bake?.
@Charlotte Fenton, I have the ninja with the same options… I use the Air Crisp mode. Bake is more for “baked goods”, so I’m told… as Roast is for this you would normally roast. If you’re wanting a crispy outside, Air Crisp is the way to go. Hope you had success!!
Help! When I flipped my chicken after 10 minutes, the breading was stuck to the bottom of my air fryer. What did I do wrong?
Did you spray with oil?
I just bought the parchment paper liners for air fryers (Amazon). They are inexpensive and kept the chicken from sticking without adding any oil.
@Rachel, this exact thing happened to me, and yes I sprayed with oil
This was delicious! I just got the Ninji Foodie XL Grille with air fryer. First time using it! The chicken stayed moist and tender.
I’m just starting out with an air fryer and appreciate the tips like making sure they don’t touch or overlap. I’m adding this to my list of things to make! Thanks.
If you do use the mayo, can you taste it?? I hate mayo
Not one bit
@Kiersten, if you don’t like mayo try Greek yogurt or sour cream both are a good substitute for mayonnaise
This was delicious. Chicken was juicy, not dry. I used Italian seasoned bread crumbs instead of the panko. They were perfectly air fried in 15minutes. Served with mashed potatoes, asparagus and applesauce. Thanks for the recipe!
This was delicious!!
For Keto, you can use crushed up Pork Rinds in place of the Panko bread crumbs. 🙂
This was super easy to make and super tasty. I am glad I chose this as my first air fryer meal. So easy and super moist. I didn’t think that was possible. Yummy 5 stars!
Use sour cream instead of Mayo. (Ironic because I usually hate sour cream and like Mayo) You will thank me later. Also super easy to experiment with different seasonings. I also add just a little mozzarella with the parmesan cheese. Usually during halfway because mozzarella can burn fast occasionally
Made this for dinner and YUM. I used Ritz crackers with Italian seasoning and a little parsley. Paired it with green beans and sweet corn. Will be making this again.
This is a keeper! Chicken was very moist. Very little mess. Husband loved it. Will definitely make it again!
I make this in the oven. Comes out perfect every time. Very excited to try in air fryer
I made it but substituted the mayo with plain yogurt, and was delicious
Amazing recipe. I seasoned the panko crumbs and lemon in the Mayo. Side with Ranch Potatoes and cauliflower. All done in my air fryer. Total success!!
Thanks for sharing this!!
Instead of mayo, I coat the chicken in Blue Cheese Dressing, it really catches the Panko/Parmesan for a nice crust and gives it a moist extra cheesy delicious texture and flavor!
This is the best chicken. My family loves it and it is easy to make.
This recipe is AMAZINGGG!!! Seriously the best air fryer recipe ive ever tasted. THANK YOU !
Loved this Recipe! How long would you rewarm the chicken in the airfrier for leftovers?
Hello can you use light Mayo instead?
Delicious and super simple. I really don’t like mayo but you can’t taste it at all and it left the chicken so juicy inside and crispy on the outside. I added a little cayenne to the breadcrumbs which added a little kick. I usually make it with a baked potato and a veggie. I’ve made this once a week for the last month and it’s a success every time!
Made this turned out delicious. Didn’t have panko so used cornmeal. Will definitely make again, it was a hit!
Tried this last night with our air fryer. They were delicious! Husband (who doesn’t like mayo) and kid approved. Will definitely be adding to my dinner rotation!
How do you reheat it in the air fryer
3 minutes should be fine 🙂
First time to try this recipe. I used two large chicken breasts and there was way too much breading. I may try again but make half the breading amount. When I turned the chicken over, some of the breading fell off.
Can you use avocado Mayo
yes!
Is it necessary to flip the chicken? When I did that the breading stuck to the bottom even after spraying it. I’ve never used mayo with chicken breast before. Is it possible I used too much? I put quite a bit on each side. Is that ok or should it be a very light thin coat? Any suggestions would be helpful! I will say the flavor wash delicious despite part of the breading sticking. Anxious to try again
Try to line the bottom of the pan with foil and spray with oil
Geez, why can’t the ingredients list and the “how to” be positioned at the top of the post? Too much verbiage to wade through!
Use the jump to recipe button at the top
This turned out absolutely delicious. Made it exactly as written! My husband thought it was the best chicken he’d ever had! So you could say it was a hit! will be definitely making this again! Thankyou!! 🙂
When I try a recipe for the first time I follow the posters instructions completely after reading other comments about the chicken sticking I decided to put parchment paper that I’ve sprayed with nonstick spray also under the chicken. I still had a little issue with sticking the first couple of pieces of chicken every one of them stuck, didn’t lose all of the breading. So with the second batch of chicken, I lowered the temperature from 390 to 375. They were smaller pieces of chicken but they were perfect after that none stuck. This was a fantastic recipe I will definitely make it again thank you
I love this. thank you.
Great porcelain set
Can this be baked in the oven
Yes
Excellent recipe! Followed everything but chose to use chicken tenders. The first batch in my Ninja Foodie cooked for 5 minutes then turned and sprayed with avocado oil as the breading looked a bit dry. Turned them over and cooked two more minutes. Perfect temp of 165. Second batch, sprayed with cooking spray prior to cooking. Turned golden brown with the same cooking time! Thank you for a great recipe!
Just tried this recipe. Used beaten egg instead of mayo. Turned out perfect. Crispy outside tender and moist inside. Love this recipe
Hi there I have a POWER XL air fryer WHAT DO I cook the chicken on in this type of fryer ? still 390 this is my favorite chicken meal and I am cooking it tonight
I love this recipe. If you’re looking for a quick easy and delicious way to cook chicken. This is the one. I will be using this recipe for my chicken now.
So easy to make and delicious! Breading was crispy and golden brown. I had to make it in two batches but equals the same time as if I used the oven, however in the air fryer both sides brown at the same time! Will be making again.