Air Fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken delivers a satisfying crunch without frying.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken served with a ranch gravy.

Air Fryer Chicken

Because food is my love language, when the princess gets excited about a meal, you can bet Momma puts it on repeat. Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is one of her all-time favorites.

This recipe uses a double-dip in panko breadcrumbs for an unbelievably crunchy coating-dare I say, even better than fried. The combo of ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese packs in flavor that the whole family will love.

Dinner is already crunchy and delightful with this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, but top it with rich, creamy chicken gravy with a hint of ranch, and it becomes a meal everyone asks for again and again.

Ingredients

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Chicken Breast -- I like the butterfly mine for thinner servings that cook up crunchy. But you can certainly use chicken tenders if you prefer.
Panko Italian Bread Crumbs
Parmesan Cheese
Milk
Eggs
Ranch Dressing Mix
Garlic Powder
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil

Cream Chicken Ranch Gravy

Bacon Grease
All Purpose Flour
Milk
Chicken Bouillon
Ranch Powder
Pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredients needed to make the air fryer parmesan crusted chicken.

Instructions

In a medium, low-sided dish, whisk the eggs and half of the ranch dressing mix into the milk.
In a second medium, low-sided dish, combine the panko, parmesan, remaining ranch dressing mix, and seasonings.
Butterfly the chicken breast and cut into serving-sized pieces.
Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then into the panko mixture. Repeat into the egg mixture, then panko. Place the coated chicken into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer without touching.
Drizzle olive oil on the top of each piece of chicken.
Cook at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken and drizzle the second side with olive oil. Cook another 4-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165. Cook times can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. Keep cooked chicken warm in a 200-degree oven, if desired.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet melt bacon grease, whisk in the flour and cook until bubbly and smooth. Cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add the milk all at once and whisk until smooth. Cook until thickened.
Add chicken bouillon, ranch dressing powder, pepper and salt to taste. Top chicken with gravy when serving.

Hint: Depending on the size of your Air Fryer, you may need to cook multiple batches. Keep the cooked chicken warm in a 200-degree oven.

Add your seasonings to the bread crumbs and parmesan mixture.

Butterfly your chicken breast in half for a tender piece of chicken.

Substitutions & Variations

Spicy Air Fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken - add chili pepper flakes to the panko bread crumb mixture if your taste buds like it hot and spicy.
Air Fry Honey Chicken - Add a little drizzle of honey instead of the gravy for a sweet/salty chicken dinner.
Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken - Bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until crisp and the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.

See this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders on my website for another fantastic chicken tenders recipe.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Reheat it in the Air Fryer to maintain the chicken's crunchy crust.

Top Tip

Insert a meat thermometer in the chicken from the side for the most accurate temperature reading. Most people overcook poultry because they don't use a meat thermometer. Don't let this be you.

FAQ

What is the secret to crispy chicken?

Following this recipe will yield crispy chicken. The ingredients, double dipping for the breading step, and not overcrowding the Air Fryer are all essential to crispy results.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

I love a good creamy Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes, Cornaroni, Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts, or Spinach and Arugula Salad alongside Air Fry Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Or maybe one of these --

Have a Question? ❤️

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And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!

Crispy parmesan ranch crusted chicken served with broccoli and sliced tomatoes.

Food Safety

Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
Wash hands after touching raw meat
Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Never leave cooking food unattended
Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.