Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated; 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of a perfectly golden crust paired with juicy chicken inside—this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe hits that spot every single time. It’s quick, fuss-free, and makes weeknight dinners feel special without dragging you into a long cooking session.

Two pieces of breaded fried chicken with a crispy golden-brown crust sit side by side in a white bowl. The coating is textured with small crunchy bits and has a warm orange hue with green herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, near a fork and knife placed on a soft blue cloth napkin. Part of another white bowl with roasted potato wedges is visible in the top left corner, along with a small dish of red dipping sauce at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe more times than I can count—and it never disappoints. The combo of crispy panko crumbs and salty parmesan baked up in the air fryer means you get that amazing crunch without a ton of oil or mess.

Speedy Cooking: The air fryer cooks these chicken breasts super fast, perfect when you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Delicious Crunch: The parmesan and panko breadcrumb coating crisps up beautifully, giving you that irresistible texture you want every time.
Easy Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry, making this recipe a no-brainer for last-minute meals.
Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spices and coatings easily to suit your taste or dietary preferences without losing the magic.

Three pieces of golden brown breaded chicken sit inside a black air fryer basket with a grid-like pattern. The chicken pieces have a crispy texture with small, light and dark brown crumbs visible all over the surface. The air fryer basket edges are slightly raised and vented, and it is placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth with fringe detail nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here has a clear role to make this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe come alive. From the mayonnaise that keeps the coating sticky and juicy to the parmesan that adds savory depth, these elements work perfectly together.

Flat lay of two raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden Panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with a reddish-orange paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of fine sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with pale garlic powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken makes the dish faster to cook and easy to slice for serving.
Mayonnaise: It might sound surprising, but mayo keeps the chicken moist and helps the parmesan breadcrumb coating stick without adding sogginess.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan lends a rich, savory flavor and browns beautifully in the air fryer for that irresistible crust.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give the classic crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t replicate.
Garlic powder: Adds just the right punch without overwhelming the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: A subtle herb blend that brightens the coating with familiar Mediterranean notes.
Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a little bite and rounds out the spices.
Sea salt: Balances all the flavors—just remember to adjust according to your salt preferences!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching up this recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. You should definitely feel free to do the same—this dish is super forgiving!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the mayonnaise for egg whites to make it lighter, and it still holds that coating wonderfully. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan mayo or a thin layer of olive oil instead.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes gives it a nice kick if you want to bring some heat to the table.
Herb swap: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top after cooking adds a fresh pop and makes it look restaurant-worthy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Layer on the Flavor

I start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner pieces—this helps them cook evenly and faster. Pat them dry with paper towels for extra crispiness later, then spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on both sides. This acts like glue for the parmesan breadcrumb coating and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Mix Your Parmesan Coating

In a shallow bowl, I toss together freshly grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, fresh black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. Combining them well ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavor and crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Next, I dredge the mayo-covered chicken breasts in the parmesan mixture, pressing down gently so the coating sticks well. It’s important to do this step carefully to avoid patches without crust. Make sure both sides are fully coated for that signature crispy finish.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, then arrange the coated chicken in the basket without overcrowding. I cook mine for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway to get an even crisp. Keep an eye on the chicken near the end so it doesn’t dry out—juicy center and crunchy outside is the goal!

Top Tip

After making this Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make all the difference to your final results. These tips keep the crust crisp and the chicken juicy, and they’ll save you from common pitfalls.

Don’t skip drying the chicken: Patting your chicken dry before spreading mayo helps the coating stick better and crisps it beautifully.
Preheat the air fryer: Putting chicken in a hot air fryer basket jumpstarts the cooking and browning process.
Flip halfway for even crisping: Turning the chicken at the midway point prevents uneven browning or soggy spots.
Avoid overcrowding: Cooking too many pieces at once causes steaming instead of frying, so cook in batches if needed.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

parmesan chicken breasts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving—it adds freshness and a lovely pop of color. A squeeze of lemon juice works wonders to cut through the richness of the parmesan crust as well.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this chicken with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic butter green beans. Creamy mashed potatoes or spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic also complement the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a dinner party, I sliced the chicken into medallions and arranged them over a bed of creamy risotto with microgreens scattered on top. It looked gorgeous and made the dish feel extra special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up well without losing too much crispiness if you reheat properly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken before by wrapping pieces individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the coating intact.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. This refreshes the crispiness without drying out the chicken—way better than microwaving!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great and offer a bit more juiciness. Just keep an eye on cooking time since thighs can sometimes take a little longer in the air fryer.

What if I don’t have mayonnaise?

You can swap mayonnaise with egg whites or a thin brushing of olive oil to help the breadcrumb mixture stick. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones, and double-check your seasonings are gluten-free. The air fryer cooking method stays the same.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The crust should be golden and crispy, and juices should run clear when sliced.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe has become one of my go-to dinner staples because it nails that perfect balance between crunchy and juicy with minimal effort. I’m confident that when you try it, you’ll love how easy it is to get satisfying, delicious chicken anytime you want. Grab your air fryer and give it a go—you won’t regret it!