Hey everyone! Finding a meal that everyone in the family enjoys can be quite a challenge. One of my kids has been on a chicken strike for the past year, so you can imagine my surprise when he dug into this Parmesan Crusted Chicken. My jaw dropped. Since the crew seems to have a thing for crispy delights, this easy parmesan crusted chicken recipe is now a household favorite. Not only is it a hit with everyone, but it’s also super easy to make.
Table of Contents
Equipment:
- Air Fryer:
- The secret weapon for achieving that perfect crispy crust on the chicken.
- Cutting Board and Meat Mallet:
- Handy for butterflying and pounding each chicken breast.
Ingredients:
- Olive Oil Spray:
- Used for greasing the air fryer and achieving a crispy texture on the chicken.
- 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts
- The star of the show! Chicken breasts provide a lean and versatile base for the dish.
- 2 Eggs
- Forms the binding agent for the breading, ensuring the Parmesan and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- 2 Cups Parmesan Cheese (Good Quality):
- The high-quality Parmesan adds a rich and savory flavor to the crust.
- 1 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs:
- Gives the chicken a crispy crunchy coating.
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder:
- Infuses the chicken with a delicious garlicky flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- Zest of one Lemon (optional)
Directions:
Chicken:
- Butterfly and pound each chicken breast with a meat mallet.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken breasts.
Egg Wash:
3. Crack the two eggs into a small bowl, add paprika, lemon zest, and mix
Bread the Chicken:
4. In a medium-sized bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
5. The chicken cutlets, one by one, into the egg mixture, making sure to cover both sides.
6. Then, transfer your chicken to the bowl with the panko and parmesan mixture. One by one, coat the chicken with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well-covered. Press in if needed.
7. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking,
8. Place the breaded chicken inside the air fryer in a single layer.
9. Spray the top of the chicken for a golden-brown finish.
10. Cook until the top is golden brown, then flip to brown the other side.
11. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a instant-read thermometer.
Looking for other delicious recipes? Don’t forget to check out my Juicy Air Fried Chicken Breasts. It is also made in the air fryer and it turns out deliciously crispy.
How to Serve and Pairings:
My favorite way to eat this easy parmesan crusted chicken is with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans, but roasted veggies or a salad would also make great side dishes.
Storage Instructions:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you reheat it I find the leftover chicken becomes a little dry and not as crispy, but, even so its still good the next day.
Common Substitutions:
- Parmesan Cheese: Substitute with Pecorino Romano or Asiago, or make your own cheese mixture with them for a similar sharp flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used, though the texture may differ slightly.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mix.
- Herb Infusion: Mix chopped fresh herbs into the breadcrumb mixture for added freshness.
Troubleshooting:
- Breading Won’t Stick: Pat chicken dry before breading and press coating onto the chicken firmly.
- Chicken Not Browning: Adjust air fryer temperature or spray some more olive oil and air fry it for a little longer.
Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- cutting board
- Meat Mallet
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1.5 Cups Parmesan Cheese choose a good quality parmesan cheese
- 1.5 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- Olive Oil Spray
Instructions
Chicken:
- Butterfly and pound each chicken breast with a meat mallet.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the chicken breasts.
Egg Wash:
- Crack the two eggs into a small bowl, add paprika, lemon zest and mix.
Bread the Chicken:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- The chicken cutlets, one by one, into the egg mixture, making sure to cover both sides.
- Then, transfer your chicken to the bowl with the panko and parmesan mixture. One by one, coat the chicken with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well-covered. Press in if needed.
Air Fry:
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking,
- place the breaded chicken inside the air fryer in a single layer.
- and spray the top of the chicken for a golden-brown finish.
Crispy Perfection:
- Cook until the top is golden brown, then flip to brown the other side.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a instant-read thermometer.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ:
Yes you can. However, keep in mind that it does change the texture of the dish a bit, but, still turns out tasty.
I personally find that parmesan is already a very salty cheese, and I don’t find I need to add more salt. So if you normally like salty food you can add a sprinkle of salt, but I would be cautious of adding too much salt.
Now, armed with your trusty air fryer, flavorful Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic powder, it’s time to make the whole family happy with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.
That’s it, everyone. This is a really easy recipe. This works as a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat! I hope you enjoy the crispy chicken and savor the joy of a meal that brings the whole family together!
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