– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crispiness)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Creating Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is straightforward if you follow these easy steps:
1. Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps in getting that extra crispy texture.
2. Set Up Breading Stations: In one bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. In another bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for even cooking. If desired, brush lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.
6. Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for added flavor and aesthetics.
These steps will guide you through the process of creating the most crispy and flavorful chicken you’ve ever made!