Enjoy tender and moist chicken with a flavorful parmesan crust, all cooked in the air fryer! This quick recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for dinner, lunch, or a protein-packed snack. Pair it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
If you’ve tried cooking chicken breasts in your air fryer, you already know the hype: they come out perfectly moist, tender, and juicy every time. Depending on your recipe, preparing this lean white meat in the air fryer is both quick and easy.
Today’s recipe features parmesan-crusted chicken made with just seven ingredients, including salt and pepper. It’s a hands-free dish that requires minimal prep, making it ideal for any occasion.
This chicken is incredibly flavorful and moist, thanks to the mayonnaise and the rich addition of parmesan cheese. You can enjoy garlic parmesan chicken as a main dish with your favorite sides, as a protein boost in salads, or even as a healthy snack.
My recipe is gluten-free and keto-friendly, as it doesn’t use any breadcrumbs. While it may lack the traditional crunch, the air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection without sacrificing flavor. Trust me—you won’t miss the breadcrumbs! Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 0.4 lb / 7 oz each)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (reserve 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (full fat or light)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Chicken:
Trim any unwanted fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes. While it’s heating, prepare the seasoning. - Mix Seasonings:
In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Reserve about 1 teaspoon for later. - Coat the Chicken:
- Brush the smooth side of each chicken breast with mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle some of the seasoning mix evenly over the mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over it, gently pressing it to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Carefully place the chicken in the air fryer, seasoned side down.
- Repeat the seasoning process for the other side (brush with mayo, then apply seasoning and parmesan cheese).
- Cook in the air fryer at 365°F (185°C) for 8-9 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking:
Flip the chicken and sprinkle the reserved seasoning mix and parmesan cheese on top.
Air fry for an additional 7-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). - Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
- Calories: 238 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 852 mg
- Potassium: 476 mg
- Calcium: 207 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
