Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Crispy and Easy

Photos by Marie-Catherine Dubé

When you’re in the mood for fried chicken, but want something a smidge healthier, this air fryer parmesan crusted chicken is a healthier way to curb that chicken craving.

Using the air fryer means no deep frying but you still get the same crispy chicken. The Greek yogurt, parmesan and breadcrumb mixture makes juicy chicken breasts without excess oil. 

This easy dinner is thrown together in 5 minutes. The chicken needs to marinate in the yogurt for at least an hour to ensure the meat is juicy and tender. Once marinated, it takes only 15 minutes to cook. This is a great one to prep ahead of time!

Those air fryers are heavy! Since you already have it out, try Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges or Air Fryer Bison Meatballs.

❤️ Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

  • A meal for the whole family.
  • Kids love these and it’s a great toddler-friendly recipe.
  • Takes less time than baking.
  • High Protein.
  • Goes well with just about any sides.
Photos by Marie-Catherine Dubé

🍲 Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Greek Yogurt

Panko Breadcrumbs

Parmesan Cheese

👩‍🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, add greek yogurt and chicken breasts. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for at least an hour. 
  3. In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. 
  4. Remove chicken from fridge and one by one, place a piece of chicken into the shallow bowl of panko mixture and press down, making sure the coating sticks well. Repeat with rest of chicken pieces. 
  5. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
  6. Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Once cooked, remove the Parmesan Crusted Chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

  • Each air fryer is different and cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of your chicken.
  • For little ones who love chicken nuggets, cut the chicken into smaller bite-size pieces before marinating them in the yogurt.
  • Cut your chicken breasts or cutlets in the size chicken strips you prefer. If serving babies or toddlers, cut into bite-size pieces.
Photos by Marie-Catherine Dubé


🗒 Substitutions

  • Use chicken thighs or chicken tenders.
  • Use a gluten-free breadcrumb.


🗒 Best served with

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to crisp your chicken back up.

🤔 Common Questions

Is this gluten-free?

This is dairy-free if you use a gluten-free breadcrumb.

Is this dairy-free?

These are not dairy-free. To make dairy-free use a dairy-free yogurt and omit the parmesan cheese. Note, this will change the crispiness of your final chicken.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is fried chicken….the healthy way! Every bit as crispy, flavorful and filling, this chicken has a parmesan crust that "fries" in the air fryer. Add some French fries or veggies and you have a meal that's sure to please.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinate: 1 hour
Servings: 0

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved) or 4 thinly sliced chicken cutlets
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • avocado oil spray

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fryer to 390°F.
  • In a medium bowl, add greek yogurt and chicken breasts. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge for at least an hour. 
  • In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. 
  • Remove chicken from fridge and one by one, place chicken breast into the shallow bowl of breadcrumb mixture and press down, making sure the coating sticks well. Repeat with rest of the chicken.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
  • Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
  • Once cooked, remove the Parmesan Crusted Chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

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