Crispy Baked Or Air-Fried Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor—this Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a guaranteed family favorite! The best part? You can make it in the oven or the air fryer for an easy, healthier twist on a classic crispy chicken dish.
The combination of parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and a blend of seasonings creates an irresistible crust while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. This recipe is perfect for weeknights, picky eaters, or even meal prep. Serve it with a side of veggies, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat mallet (optional)
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Baking sheet & wire rack (for oven method)
- Air fryer (for air fryer method)
- Tongs
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling or spraying
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Method
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top for extra crispiness.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations
- Prepare three shallow bowls:
- One with flour
- One with whisked egg and milk
- One with panko, parmesan, and seasonings
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture, patting gently to adhere.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Oven or Air Fryer)
Oven Method:
- Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer Method:
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
- Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
Substitutions & Variations
No panko? Use regular breadcrumbs but toast them slightly first for more crunch.
Gluten-free? Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko.
Spicy version? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Cheesy upgrade? Melt shredded mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Make-Ahead Tips Bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before cooking.
Freeze breaded, uncooked chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Gluten-free? Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko.
Spicy version? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Cheesy upgrade? Melt shredded mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Make-Ahead Tips Bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before cooking.
Freeze breaded, uncooked chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
