Parmesan Crusted Chicken in Air Fryer | With Creamy Garlic Sauce

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken in Air Fryer

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Hey friends! Today I’m sharing one of our family’s absolute favorites — Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the air fryer, served with the most heavenly creamy garlic sauce.

This dish is so simple, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. It’s become a go-to at our house for both busy weeknights and special occasions — and now I’m sharing it so it can become a favorite at YOUR table, too!

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken in Air Fryer

First, that crispy parmesan crust locks in flavor and moisture — every bite is juicy and golden. The creamy garlic sauce? It’s rich, smooth, and absolutely irresistible — perfect over mashed potatoes, pasta, veggies, or rice.

✅ Easy, budget-friendly ingredients
✅ Cooked in the air fryer for quick cleanup
✅ Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved
✅ Versatile — serve it so many ways!

A Family Favorite Recipe

This recipe has become one of those meals that fills our home with the best smells and gathers everyone around the table.

What started as a quick idea turned into a dish we now serve for birthdays, Sunday suppers, and anytime we want a meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Over the years, we’ve shared it with neighbors and family — and it always gets rave reviews.

Now I’m passing it on to you! 💛

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

• 4 Chicken Thighs (I also use Chicken Breast Butterflied and pounded to an even thickness)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1/8 if you prefer low sodium)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon rosemary OR 1/4 teaspoon thyme (I use fresh rosemary but dried works just as well)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup butter (I use Amish Roll Butter, unsalted)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (again use 1/8 if you prefer low sodium)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken in Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. I am obsessed with my new PPC Air Fryer

In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan cheese, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Mix well.

Pat the chicken thighs dry. (Optional: For extra crunch, dip each chicken thigh in 2 beaten eggs before dredging.)

Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly in the Parmesan-flour mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 375°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 175°F–185°F and the crust is golden.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, make the sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.

🔆Pro-Tip: Sometimes I add a bit of Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto. It really takes it up a notch! I grab this at my favorite place to shop Thrive Market. Have you tried them? Click Here 👉🏻 Thrive Market for 40% off your first order.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Place your golden Parmesan Crusted Chicken on plates and spoon over the warm creamy garlic sauce.

Serve with your favorite sides:

✅ Mashed potatoes
✅ Rice, pasta, or orzo
✅ Steamed or roasted veggies
✅ Side salad

No matter how you serve it — this dish is pure comfort food!

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken in the Air Fryer is it. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with that rich garlic cream sauce — it’s a dish your family will be asking for again and again!

I hope it becomes a favorite at your table, too. When you make it, don’t forget to tag me over on social @SimplyBlessedDesignz so I can cheer you on!
⭐ And if you loved it, would you leave a star rating in the comments? It helps more than you know and blesses this little corner of the internet so much.

P.S. If you’re into DIYs too (you know I always am!), you might love this:
👉 Thrifted Frame DIY | $3 Thrift Flip with Rub-On Transfers

Happy cooking, sweet friends! 💛

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Save this recipe for later — you’ll want it in your rotation.