Crispy, golden, and ready in less than 20 minutes-these Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets are a family favorite! Without using mayo, this simple dredging method creates a delicious, crunchy coating perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners.
Why this Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means less oil without sacrificing crispiness.
- Family-Friendly: Mildly seasoned and kid-approved!
- No Mayonnaise: Many air fryer fried chicken recipes call for coating your chicken in mayo. I swap that technique for a classic flour, egg, and breadcrumb dredge.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breast: Slice breasts lengthwise and pound them slightly for even cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated or finely shredded parmesan provides the best flavor and texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an unbeatable crunchy crust.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, then pound to about ½-inch thickness.
- Set Up Dredging Station:
- Bowl 1: Flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs.
- Bowl 3: Parmesan cheese mixed with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece first into the flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat at 390°F for 5 minutes.
- Cook: Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray, then add it in a single layer, and air fry for 6 minutes. Flip, spray the other side with oil, and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until golden and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Expert Tips
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer helps set the crust immediately, contributing to crispiness and preventing the coating from falling off.
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Be sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer with space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use Oil Spray: A light, even coating of oil spray on both sides of the breaded chicken helps the breadcrumbs brown and become crunchy.
- Use a Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through to 165°F.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Serve the chicken with my Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes or my Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower for a balanced dinner your whole family will love.
Dipping sauces like classic marinara sauce or honey mustard dressing are also great to serve with these crispy air fryer chicken cutlets!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To freeze, place cooled chicken cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes (7-8 minutes for frozen) until crisp and warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, regular breadcrumbs will also work in this recipe. The texture will not be as crispy, but they'll still be delicious!
Pro Tip:
If you only have regular breadcrumbs, you can mix them with crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers to add more texture.
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free with a few simple swaps:
Replace All-Purpose Flour:
Substitute with gluten-free flour blends (such as Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour or King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour) or cornstarch, which helps achieve a similarly crispy coating.
Replace Panko Breadcrumbs:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, almond meal, or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb and gluten-free crunch.
Always check the labels to confirm your seasonings and pre-packaged products (breadcrumbs, flour) are certified gluten-free.
More Air Fryer Recipes
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray, or cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, pound them to about ½-inch thick, and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station:In one shallow bowl, stir together flour and garlic powderIn a second bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.In a third bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, Italian Seasoning, and Panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the chicken in seasoned flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Spray the chicken with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Air fry for 6 minutes, flip, spray the other side with oil, and cook 5-6 minutes more or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
Stephanie says
This chicken was perfect!
Moist and tender, flavorful.
I will be making this again and again!
Thanks "Dad"-