Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast: Easy, Crispy

Have you ever walked through your front door after a long day, stomach growling, with absolutely zero energy to prepare a complicated dinner? I’ve been there too many times to count. That’s exactly why this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe has become my go-to weeknight savior. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in just minutes.

The beauty of this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast lies in its perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. As it cooks, your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, herbs, and toasted parmesan – enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble with anticipation. The first bite reveals a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, flavorful chicken that’s anything but boring.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, planning a quick date night dinner, or simply treating yourself after a hard day, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Let me show you how to make this weeknight wonder that might just become your new favorite chicken recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast:

For the Chicken:

• 4 small chicken breasts (4-6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Coating:

• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (fresh, not the shelf-stable kind)
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs (use almond flour for a low carb Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (or olive oil for a healthier option)

Ingredient Tips:

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures a crispy exterior on your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

Step 4: Brush the marinade evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts. For best results, let the chicken marinate for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the garlic Parmesan coating.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Coating

Step 5: In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and melted butter.

Step 6: Press the Parmesan mixture onto the top side of each marinated chicken breast, ensuring an even coating.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

Step 7: Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of cooking spray or brush with olive oil.

Step 8: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, Parmesan side up, making sure they don’t overlap. For larger air fryers, you can cook all four pieces at once. For smaller models, cook in batches of two.

Step 9: Cook the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the Parmesan coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

• Even Thickness Matters: For perfectly cooked Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Overcrowd: For the crispiest Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast, make sure the pieces aren’t touching in the air fryer basket. Air needs to circulate around each piece.
• Check Temperature Early: Every air fryer model is different. Start checking your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast with a meat thermometer after 8 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Spray the Breading: For extra crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast, lightly spray the Parmesan coating with olive oil spray before air frying.
• Let it Rest: The secret to tender Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast is allowing it to rest for a few minutes after cooking so juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

This versatile Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with numerous sides:

For a complete meal with minimal effort, try cooking vegetables in the air fryer after the chicken is done. Simply toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry for 5-7 minutes while your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast rests.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast is not only delicious but also fits into many healthy eating plans:

• Calories: Approximately 230 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 3g (1g with almond flour substitute)
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg

This low carb Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe is keto-friendly when using almond flour instead of bread crumbs. It’s also high in protein, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to build or maintain muscle mass.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast can be stored safely for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store cooled Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags.

Reheating: For best results when reheating Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast:

• In the air fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350°F
• In the oven: 10 minutes at 350°F
• In the microwave: 1-2 minutes at 70% power (though this method may sacrifice some crispiness)

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

How long to cook chicken breast in air fryer?

For a standard 4-6 ounce chicken breast, cook for 10-12 minutes at 380°F. Larger breasts may require 12-15 minutes. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer showing 165°F at the thickest part.

What temperature should I set my air fryer for chicken?

The ideal temperature for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast is 380°F. This temperature provides the perfect balance for creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

Can you put garlic in an air fryer?

Yes, minced garlic works wonderfully in the Parmesan coating for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast. The air fryer cooks it to a perfect golden state without burning, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out in the air fryer?

To create tender Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast, ensure chicken pieces are of even thickness, don’t overcook them, and allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. The olive oil in the marinade also helps lock in moisture.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe proves that delicious, restaurant-quality meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can create a protein-packed main course that’s crispy, flavorful, and sure to please even picky eaters.

The versatility of this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast makes it perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of savory garlic, nutty Parmesan, and aromatic herbs creates depth of flavor that belies the simplicity of the preparation.

Have you tried making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast at home? Share your experience in the comments below! Did you add any special ingredients or pair it with a favorite side dish? I’d love to hear your variations on this versatile recipe.

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