Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Updated Feb 05, 2026
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick, easy dinner that cooks up crispy and golden in under 20 minutes. Made without breadcrumbs, mayo, or egg, finely grated parmesan creates a flavorful crust that stays juicy inside. I make this recipe often because it is easy to customize. You can adjust the seasonings to match any meal. The version here is my go-to, but you can easily make it your own.
Try serving it with One Pan Sun-Dried Tomato and Boursin Cheese Orzo, Viral TikTok Pasta with Boursin, Green Goddess Orzo, or One Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta for an easy weeknight meal.
🐝 Quick Look: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- ⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 16 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 26 minutes
- 🍽 Serves: 4
- ⚡ Calories: ~195 per serving
- 🍳 Cook Method: Air fryer
- 🧂 Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried herbs
- 👩🍳 Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, lightly herbed
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy. Minimal prep and mostly hands-off cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without Breading: Finely grated parmesan creates a golden, crispy crust without breadcrumbs or flour. Try my Crispy Parmesan Chicken recipe if you’re looking for a version with breadcrumbs and flour.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: This air fryer parmesan crusted chicken cooks in under 20 minutes with minimal prep and no messy breading station.
- So Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, slice it over pasta or salads, or use it in sandwiches and wraps for easy meal prep. I love serving this chicken with my One Pan Sun-Dried Tomato and Boursin Cheese Orzo and One Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the seasonings to keep things classic, add heat, or pair it with different side dishes depending on the meal.
- Air Fryer or Oven Friendly: Make this recipe year-round whether you’re using an air fryer or baking it in the oven.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with exact quantities.
- Parmesan Cheese: Creates a naturally crisp crust without breading or frying. It also provides moisture and flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 4 pre-sliced cutlets, or slice 2 chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin pieces. Pre-sliced cutlets are great if you can find them because they’ll save time and reduce cleanup.
Tips and Substitutions
- Use finely grated parmesan: Finely grated cheese sticks better to the chicken and creates a more even, crispy crust than shredded parmesan.
- Thin chicken works best: Many stores sell thin-sliced chicken breasts. If using regular chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create cutlets so they cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer: Cook the chicken in a single layer for best browning and crispiness.
- No mayo or breading needed: Olive oil helps the parmesan mixture adhere, keeping this recipe simple and flavorful without breadcrumbs or mayo.
- Oven option: This recipe can also be baked if needed. See the recipe notes for oven instructions.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
See the recipe card below for full instructions and exact amounts.
- Mix seasonings and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Rub olive oil onto the chicken, then coat both sides evenly in the seasoning mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8 minutes until both sides are golden and fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken as a main dish or add to salads, pasta, sandwiches, etc.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken FAQs
Parmesan crusted chicken cooks in the air fryer at 375°F for about 16 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Thin-sliced chicken breasts or cutlets typically cook in 8 minutes per side and should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Parmesan crusted chicken may not get crispy if the air fryer basket is overcrowded, the chicken is too thick, or the parmesan is not finely grated. For best results, use thin cutlets, cook in a single layer, and avoid excess oil.
No, this recipe is made without breadcrumbs. The parmesan cheese and seasonings create a flavorful crust without the need for traditional breading.
Yes, this recipe is made without mayo. Olive oil helps the parmesan mixture stick to the chicken while keeping it simple and flavorful.
Suggested Pairings
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¾ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ¾ teaspoon Dried Parsley
- ¾ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more as needed
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, buy thinly sliced or cut into cutlets
Instructions
- Mix seasoning: In a shallow bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and grated parmesan cheese until evenly mixed.
- Season chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub to coat both sides. Press each piece of chicken into the parmesan seasoning mixture, coating evenly.
- Air fry: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 375°F. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, then cook for another 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Video
Notes
- Chicken thickness: Thin-sliced chicken breasts work best. Many grocery stores sell chicken breasts labeled “thin-sliced.” If using regular chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets so they cook evenly.
- Parmesan: Finely grated parmesan cheese adheres better than shredded cheese and creates a more even crust.
- Air fryer spacing: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the basket can prevent the chicken from crisping properly.
- Oven method: This recipe can also be made in the oven. Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F. For extra browning, broil briefly at the end while watching closely.
- Serving ideas: Serve as a main dish, slice and add to salads, or pair with pasta and vegetables.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is one of my go-to weeknight recipes! It’s quick and easy and easy to customize for any meal.
I make this ALL THE TIME! Works so well with so many of your pasta recipes. This is for sure one of my go-tos!!