Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, flavorful garlic and Parmesan crust. Utilizing the air fryer ensures a quick and healthier way to enjoy this classic comfort food with less oil and maximum crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish pairs wonderfully with salads, roasted veggies, or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Coating
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to help the coating adhere better.
- Make Garlic Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with the minced garlic to create a flavorful brush-on marinade.
- Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper for the crispy coating.
- Coat Chicken: Brush each chicken breast thoroughly with the garlic olive oil mixture. Then, press each breast firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly for a crispy crust.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken for 16 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness and internal cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
- If chicken breasts are thick or uneven, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or over your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
