I have a serious soft spot for recipes that are both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make. This air fryer garlic parmesan chicken fillet is exactly that. In just 25 minutes, you get juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a crispy golden coating infused with garlic, parmesan, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly before you even take your first bite.
The best part? You don’t have to stand over a hot stove or deal with oil splatters. The air fryer does all the work, giving you a restaurant-worthy crust without the extra calories from deep frying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or when you simply want something comforting without fuss. Trust me — once you try this, it’ll be a regular in your dinner rotation.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Fillets: These are the star of the dish. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into even fillets for quick cooking. They’re lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the garlicky, cheesy coating.
Garlic Powder: A concentrated punch of savory flavor. Garlic powder blends beautifully into the breading mix without the risk of burning, giving you that unmistakable garlicky goodness in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is a game changer here. It melts slightly as the chicken cooks, forming a crispy, salty crust that pairs perfectly with the garlic and herbs.
Breadcrumbs: I like using panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch. They give you that light, airy crispiness that makes the chicken fillets irresistible.
Olive Oil: A small drizzle helps the coating stick and turns beautifully golden in the air fryer. It also adds a subtle richness without making the dish heavy.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds depth and a hint of earthiness, tying together all the flavors in the coating.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential. They enhance every ingredient and make sure your chicken tastes perfectly seasoned.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into fillets
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make 25-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fillet Perfection
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into evenly sized fillets to ensure they cook at the same rate. Pat them dry with a paper towel so the coating sticks better.
Step 2: Make the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Brush each chicken fillet lightly with olive oil. Press each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides and pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated fillets in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 8–10 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes to keep the juices inside. Serve hot with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or buttery mashed potatoes.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give each fillet space so air can circulate for even crispiness.
- Fresh parmesan works best: Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent melting and crisping properly.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker fillets may need a minute or two more; thinner ones will cook faster.
- For extra crunch: Spray the coated fillets lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Check internal temperature: Always make sure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will work just as well, though they may need a minute or two longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken fillets ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture.