Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quick and flavorful meal featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture, enhanced with garlic and Italian seasoning. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, it offers a deliciously golden crust without the extra oil, making it a healthier option for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Coating & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
- Make garlic oil mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic, mixing well to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare coating mixture: In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Coat chicken: Brush each chicken breast thoroughly with the garlic olive oil mixture. Then press each piece firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly for maximum crispiness.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even crisping.
- Air fry the chicken: Cook for 16 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and a crispy crust. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Pair this delicious chicken with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
- If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness for more even cooking.
- Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or over pasta for a balanced meal.
