Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken – A Healthy Chicken Dinner Must-Try!

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to make something crunchy, juicy, and totally satisfying? Let’s talk about a dinner that’s as comforting as it is wholesome — Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken! 🍗💛

This dish brings together everything we love about traditional fried chicken — that irresistible golden crust and tender meat — but without the heavy oil or guilt. Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get a beautifully crisp coating that seals in every bit of flavor while keeping it light and healthy. Imagine biting into that crispy, cheesy outer layer that gives way to juicy, tender chicken underneath… perfection! 😍

Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will become your go-to. It’s quick, uses simple pantry ingredients, and feels downright fancy when served with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad. So, dust off your air fryer, and let’s make some kitchen magic happen — traditional comfort food made modern! ✨

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup whole wheat or regular breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
• Olive oil spray (for misting)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving 🍋

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Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures the coating sticks well and the chicken crisps perfectly. If the chicken pieces are thick, pound them lightly for even cooking.
2. Mix the Dry Coating:
   In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly blended — the aroma should already make you hungry! 😋
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. This mixture helps the coating adhere perfectly to each piece of chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   Dip each chicken breast first in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently so that the coating fully covers the chicken and sticks nicely.
5. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. This helps achieve that irresistible crispy crust from the start.
6. Cook the Chicken:
   Lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer — don’t overcrowd them! Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, spray lightly again, and cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
   Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy inside. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. 🍋✨
8. Serving Suggestion:
   Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. It’s also amazing sliced on top of pasta or in a sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomato! 🍅🥗

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Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 18 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 28 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: 320
🍽️ Servings: 4

Per Serving:

• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

This dish offers a hearty balance of lean protein and just enough healthy fats to keep you satisfied. Using the air fryer reduces oil by up to 80%, yet you’ll never miss the deep-fried crunch. A true win for your waistline and your taste buds! 🙌

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️