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Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

By Carolyn Stilwell

4.60 from 5 votes

Updated Aug 31, 2025, Published on Jan 30, 2025

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and flavorful main that turns out crispy and golden in under 20 minutes. There is no egg or breading required. The Parmesan coating locks in moisture and adds savory flavor, making it perfect over pasta, in salads, or in sandwiches.

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 pairing this chicken with One Pan Sun-Dried Tomato and Boursin Cheese Orzo, Viral TikTok Pasta with Boursin, or One Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta.

Watch how to make it here!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Crispy and Golden: Parmesan creates a naturally crisp crust without breading or frying.
• Quick and Easy: Cooks in under 20 minutes with minimal prep and no messy breading station.
• Versatile: Serve as a main dish, slice over pasta or salads, or use in sandwiches and wraps.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the seasonings to complement any cuisine or side dish.
• Air Fryer or Oven Friendly: Make it year-round no matter your cooking method.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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.

Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Step-by-Step Instructions)

See the recipe card below for the full list of instructions.

1. Mix seasonings and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

2. Rub olive oil onto the chicken, then coat both sides evenly in the seasoning mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

3. 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.

4. Serve the chicken as a main dish or add to salads, pasta, sandwiches, etc.

Ready to try it? Scroll to the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.

Oven Instructions

No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, switch to broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

Did you try this Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe? Leave a Review!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a rating and review. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok so I can see your creations!

4.60 from 5 votes

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

By: Carolyn Stilwell

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is packed with flavor—no egg or breading needed! The air fryer makes it an easy, hands-off recipe. Enjoy it as a main dish, over your favorite pasta, or any way you like!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 16 minutes mins

Total: 26 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients 

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Seasonings

• ▢ 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon Dried Oregano
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon Dried Parsley
• ▢ ¾ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, use more or less/omit based on spice preference
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt

Other Ingredients

• ▢ ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, use more or less as needed to coat chicken
• ▢ 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, buy thinly cut chicken or slice in half for thinner cutlets

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Instructions 

• In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients listed under seasonings with the Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
• 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.

Video

Notes

Note: You can also make this in the oven. An air fryer typically cooks hotter and faster than a conventional oven. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F and bake the seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For extra crispiness, broil for a couple of minutes at the end, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 78mg, Sodium: 539mg, Potassium: 467mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 206IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 72mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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