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    Home » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast

    Published: March 16, 2020 · Modified: July 12, 2023 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    air fryer parmesan crusted chicken Pinterest pin

    Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast are lightly coated in Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese before being air fried until crisp and juicy. This low carb and gluten free recipe is a healthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

    Sliced chicken on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • How To Serve Parmesan Chicken Breast
    • Variations
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Recipe FAQ‘s
    • Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
    • Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast
    • #respond

    Check out my recipes for Healthy Air Fryer Pickles or Air Fryer Zucchini Chips for more air fryer recipes.

    If you're as obsessed with your air fryer as I am, you'll love these air fryer parmesan crusted chicken breast. The chicken comes out incredibly tender and the parmesan crust comes out perfectly toasted.

    Once you see how easy it is to make this in the air fryer, you'll be making it regularly. Absolutely delicious homemade "fried" chicken breast made with healthy ingredients in just a few minutes. Low in carbs and calories but high in flavor, this meal is one even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.

    Cooked chicken breast on a white plate.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Air fryer cooking is quick - have dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less.
    • The parmesan crust is SO crispy and flavorful and the meat is SO tender. The yogurt helps keep the breasts perfectly moist while the crust packs the chicken with flavor.
    • It's low carb, keto-friendly, and a great source of protein.
    • Kids love crispy, crunchy, cheesy chicken!
    • You can eat it plain, on a salad or in a low carb wrap.
    • They are the perfect vehicle for your favorite dipping sauces and dressings.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Labeled ingredients for the chicken breast.
    • Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless): Choose smaller breasts that are uniform in size and shape with little to no visible fat.
    • Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture, helps tenderize the chicken and helps the parmesan and spices stick to the chicken.
    • Parmesan Cheese (shredded): Serves as the "breading." It crisps well when air-fried or baked.
    • Garlic Powder: Adds light garlic flavor to the parmesan crust.
    • Seasoning Salt & Ground Pepper: Enhances the flavor of the whole dish.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Steps to make the chicken breast.

    Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

    Step 2: Using a spatula, spoon, or butter knife, spread the yogurt mixture onto the chicken breast. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly, top and bottom.

    Step 3: Next, remove the air fryer basket and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

    Step 4: Without overcrowding the basket, place coated chicken in a single layer and cook at 380 ℉ for 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

    Step 5: Check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165 ℉. Measure this at the thickest part of the chicken. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches temperature.

    Step 6: If cooking in batches set cooked chicken aside on a clean plate as you continue cooking the remaining chicken. Enjoy!

    NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!

    Chicken on a plate garnished with lettuce.

    Expert Tips

    • One 4 ounce breast is technically a serving. Keep that in mind when calculating how much chicken you will need. I'd bet on each hungry mouth wanting at least 2 servings.
    • If working with larger chicken breasts, it's best to pound them down flat to ensure even cooking. A quick way to do this is to place the chicken in a large resealable bag and then pound out the breasts from the outside of the sealed bag.
    • Instead of pounding out the chicken breasts, you can use chicken precut cutlets.
    • Give the chicken enough room in the air fryer basket. If the chicken is too crowded it won't cook evenly and the crust will turn out soggy.
    • Keep an eye on your food, so it doesn't burn! Begin checking for doneness for around 12 minutes. There are many different air fryer brands and they all heat up differently.

    How To Serve Parmesan Chicken Breast

    • Keep things light. Slice and serve on a fresh green salad with your favorite vinaigrette.
    • For a satisfying keto meal serve with dairy free mashed cauliflower and a green veggie, like spinach, asparagus, or broccoli.
    • Make chicken parmesan. Simply top cooked parmesan-crusted chicken with your favorite marinara sauce, fresh basil, and more parmesan. Serve with gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, etc.

    Variations

    • Make air-fried chicken tenders. Use chicken tenderloins or slice chicken breasts into strips before coating in the yogurt-parmesan mixture. Adjust cook times accordingly.
    • Use mayo instead of Greek yogurt. The fat content helps keep the chicken moist and is also a good way to up the fat if you're following a keto diet.
    • Cut the amount of parmesan in half and use equal parts seasoned Panko breadcrumbs for another layer of crunch and flavor.
    • Switch up the flavor by switching up the seasonings. Use your favorite savory spice blend (like garlic & herb or Italian).

    Storing & Freezing

    Storing: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.

    Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken breast by placing the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. Stored properly, the frozen cooked chicken will last for up to 9 months.

    Recipe FAQ‘s

    Can I substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs?

    You can, but keep in mind the flavor difference between breasts and thighs. If using thighs, they should be boneless and pounded out to ½ inch thickness.

    Why is my chicken dry in the air fryer?

    Lean meat needs some sort of fat or oil on the surface to prevent it from drying out in the air fryer. In this recipe, Greek yogurt does just that.

    How do I reheat air fryer chicken so it's crispy again?

    Let the cooked chicken cool to room temperature, place in air fryer basket and reheat 2 to 4 minutes on each side (or until crust is re-crisped and chicken is warmed through).

    Can I use bone-in chicken?

    Yes, but you'll need to add more cooking time.  I suggest internally checking to ensure it is safe to serve. The temperature chicken should be cooked to is 165 ℉.

    Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking?

    Yes, you'll want to flip so both sides get crispy, and to make sure it is evenly cooked.

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    If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to signup for my newsletter!

    Thumbnail of air fryer parmesan crusted chicken breast.

    Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast

    4.91 from 41 votes
    By Kate
    Air fryer parmesan crusted chicken breast are lightly coated in Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese before being air fried until crisp and juicy. This low carb and gluten free recipe is a healthy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep 10 minutes mins
    Cook 15 minutes mins
    Total 25 minutes mins
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 197kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Special Equipment

    • Power Air Fryer XL
    • Meat Tenderizer
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 4 chicken breasts
    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
    • Using a spatula, spoon, or butter knife, spread the yogurt mixture onto the chicken breast. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly, top and bottom.
    • Next, remove the air fryer basket and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Without overcrowding the basket, place coated chicken in a single layer and cook at 380°F for 15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
    • Check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F. Measure this at the thickest part of the chicken. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches temperature.
    • If cooking in batches set cooked chicken aside on a clean plate as you continue cooking the remaining chicken. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • One 4 ounce breast is technically a serving. Keep that in mind when calculating how much chicken you will need. I’d bet on each hungry mouth wanting at least 2 servings.
    • The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°. Measure this at the thickest part of the chicken. Continue cooking until chicken reaches temperature.
    • Different air fryer brands may cook at different rates, so be sure to keep on eye on food.
    • If working with larger chicken breasts, it’s best to pound them down flat to ensure even cooking. A quick way to do this is to place the chicken in a large resealable bag and then pound out the breasts from the outside of the sealed bag.
    • Instead of pounding out the chicken breasts, you can use chicken precut cutlets.
    • Give the chicken enough room in the air fryer basket. If the chicken is too crowded it won’t cook evenly and the crust will turn out soggy.
    • Storing: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
    • Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken breast by placing the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. Stored properly, the frozen cooked chicken will last for up to 9 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gramsCalories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 32gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 1012mgSugar: 2g

    All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

    Tried this recipe?Give it a star rating and leave a comment below!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa

      October 10, 2024 at 1:33 pm

      I have made this recipe before and it’s delicious! Do you have recommendations on cooking if I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kate

        November 07, 2024 at 6:49 pm

        I would use boneless thighs if you were going to use thighs. This way you can open them up and get them crusted in all the nooks and crannies. Chicken thighs usually have more moisture/fat so the outside might be a little more "wet" even when they're fully cooked, but they should be juicy and delicious. Let me know how it works out if you give that a try!

        Reply
    2. Alpha A Ott

      June 30, 2021 at 10:31 pm

      I made it tonight and it is MOST DELICIOUS!!! I will make this a part of regular dinners in our house..Thank you!!

      Reply
    3. Melissa

      January 19, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      What is the fat content of Greek yogurt that you used?

      Reply
      • simplylowcal

        January 20, 2021 at 5:35 pm

        I use nonfat Greek yogurt.

        Reply
    4. Jessica | Primal Edge Health

      April 25, 2020 at 6:16 pm

      This is SO my kind of recipe! I love using yogurt marinades, can't wait to try this!

      Reply
    5. Annissa

      April 25, 2020 at 5:17 pm

      I don't use my air fryer nearly enough. I love everything that comes out of it, though. This chicken recipe looks delicious and I love that it's low-carb. A must-try recipe!

      Reply
    6. Emily Liao

      April 25, 2020 at 5:14 pm

      I love how these are made so easily in the air fryer! Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal 🙂

      Reply
    7. Kelli

      April 25, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      Such a good idea using just Greek yogurt and parmesan! I don't have an air-fryer unfortunately but it makes me want to try a baked version and maybe just broil it at the end of cooking.

      Reply
      • simplylowcal

        April 25, 2020 at 6:05 pm

        Thanks, Kelli. These would still taste great baked in the oven, then finishing them off with the broiler for a bit of crispiness. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Corinne

      March 17, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      This looks delicious! I love chicken and I love my air fryer, so this is a great combination. I can't live without my air fryer if I'm being honest haha! Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂

      Reply
    9. Whitney

      March 17, 2020 at 3:58 am

      I absolutely love the parmesan crust and made with greek yogurt! Great idea!

      Reply
    10. Kari Hermann

      March 17, 2020 at 2:45 am

      Parmesan crusted anything is my favorite. I love that this is so easy to make!

      Reply
    11. Suzy

      March 17, 2020 at 1:09 am

      Loving how you used the greek yogurt for the chicken! The air fryer cooks them up perfectly every time!

      Reply
    12. stephanie

      March 17, 2020 at 12:26 am

      The parmesan crust on this is so good! Perfect for a quick dinner.

      Reply
    13. Marlynn

      March 16, 2020 at 10:40 pm

      We've been using our air fryer almost every day recently. We'll have to give this a try! Looks delicious.

      Reply
    14. Rebecca

      March 16, 2020 at 7:01 pm

      this looks delish! love this simple recipe

      Reply
    15. Kelly Anthony

      March 16, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      I don't own an air fryer but after reading this recipe I want one so I can make this parmesan-crusted chicken breast.

      Reply
    16. Priya Lakshminarayan

      March 16, 2020 at 6:56 pm

      The more air fryer success recipes I see, I am tempted to get one

      Reply
    17. Emily Liao

      March 16, 2020 at 6:48 pm

      The parmesan crust on this is so good! Perfect to pop in the air fryer for a delicious weekday dinner.

      Reply
    18. Veena Azmanov

      March 16, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      Air Fryer sounds interesting. Love the Cheese option to this yummy chicken. Delicious.

      Reply
    4.91 from 41 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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