– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 large eggs
– Cooking spray or olive oil (for using in the air fryer)
Making Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a breeze if you follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the coating adhere better and ensure crispiness.
2. Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
3. Set up the Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly. This will serve as the binder for the coating.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure an even coating.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: While you coat the chicken, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
6. Arrange the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
7. Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. After this time, flip each piece and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
8. Let It Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tenderness.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the chicken as desired and serve it hot with your choice of sides.
By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality crispy chicken right at home!