1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
2. Prepare the Coating
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Beat the Eggs: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dip in Egg: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Parmesan Mixture: Press the chicken breasts into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve
- Garnish: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Pair with your favorite side dishes such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Even Coating: Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variations
Try these variations to customize your Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture for a spicy version.
- Herb Variation: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in place of the dried Italian seasoning.
- Cheese Mix: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese with the Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
You’ve just created a delectable Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. Bon appétit!