Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for substitution)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- For Serving (Optional):
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preparing the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station: place beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and additional salt and pepper in another.
- Coating the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. For extra crispiness, spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Cooking in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper airflow. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Finishing Touches: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges or dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Vegan alternative: Substitute plant-based chicken and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of the recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg