Are you craving a mouthwatering chicken dish that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make? Look no further than this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken – the secret weapon that will transform your weeknight dinners from boring to extraordinary! Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts packed with irresistible garlic and Parmesan flavor, cooked to juicy perfection in just 30 minutes. This recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy coating.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Roll each olive oil-coated chicken breast in the Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing gently to help the seasoning adhere completely to the surface of the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping and have space between them for proper air circulation.
- Cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and consistent internal temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket – give each chicken breast enough space for proper air circulation.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the Parmesan coating.
- If your chicken breasts are different thicknesses, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and most vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg