Print

Easy Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

air fryer garlic parmesan chicken - featured image

This air fryer crispy garlic parmesan chicken breast is quick, easy, and delivers a crunchy, golden crust with juicy, tender chicken inside. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 68 ounces each, pounded to even thickness)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (for finishing)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up breading station: In first bowl, add flour. In second bowl, beat eggs with a splash of water. In third bowl, combine panko, 1/2 cup parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bread the chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting extra drip off. Press firmly into panko-parmesan mixture, coating both sides. Place on a plate.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 2 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place breaded chicken in a single layer. Spray tops with olive oil. Air fry at 375°F for 6 minutes, flip, spray other side, and cook for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and coating is golden brown.
  6. While chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in remaining 2 tablespoons parmesan.
  7. Brush garlic parmesan butter over hot chicken. Sprinkle with parsley if desired. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, don’t skip the flour dredging step—it helps the breading stick. Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before air frying. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. For gluten-free, use almond flour and gluten-free panko.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, garlic parmesan chicken, crispy chicken breast, easy weeknight dinner, air fryer recipe