Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
One of the best feelings in the world is finding a recipe you know will be in your rotation for a long time — like this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
So … you’re welcome.
This dish is so simple, so easy, and so good.
Need I say more than garlic parmesan sauce?
Make it the centerpiece of a cozy date night or double the batch for meal prep all week long. However you serve it, this is a recipe you won’t grow bored of quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Crispy outside, juicy inside — with no breading or frying required
Ready in just 20 minutes
Packed with flavor from real garlic and fresh herbs
Easy to meal prep or scale up for dinner guests
Served with quinoa for a balanced, protein-rich base
Ingredients
2 lbs organic chicken breast
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 chopped zucchini
1 cup quinoa
Salt and pepper
Drizzle of olive oil
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
1/2 stick butter
8–9 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/3 cup chopped parsley
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well for This Recipe
If you’ve never made garlic parmesan chicken in the air fryer, you’re in for a treat. While you can certainly bake or sauté your chicken, the air fryer creates a crispy, golden exterior without any breading or excess oil. It’s the perfect match for a recipe like this — flavorful, quick, and nutrient-conscious.
Here’s what makes the air fryer such a game-changer for this dish:
Faster cooking time: The hot circulating air cooks your chicken in under 10 minutes, making this a go-to for busy weeknights.
Crispy texture, no breading required: You get that golden, slightly crispy exterior with just a drizzle of oil — no flour, no mess.
Juicy, tender chicken: The air fryer locks in moisture, which keeps your chicken from drying out.
Lower in carbs and fat: Because there’s no breading or deep-frying, this method is naturally lighter and better suited to blood sugar balance and hormone health.
For those focusing on anti-inflammatory meals or hormonal balance, the air fryer offers a way to enjoy satisfying textures without heavy oils or starches that can spike insulin.
How to Get Crispy Chicken in the Air Fryer
Air fryers are known for delivering crispiness, but there are a few tips and tricks to help you get that perfect crunch every time. Since this recipe doesn’t use breading, technique matters more than ever — and a few small changes can make a big difference.
Keep these tips in mind when prepping your chicken:
Cut evenly: Slice the chicken into uniform strips or cubes so it cooks consistently.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each piece space for hot air to circulate.
Pat chicken dry: Before seasoning, use a paper towel to blot any moisture off the chicken.
Flip halfway through: This helps both sides brown evenly.
Optional upgrade: Add 1 tsp arrowroot or tapioca flour to your seasoning blend for an extra-crispy finish.
Meal Prep Tips
This air fryer garlic parmesan chicken is a great recipe to batch cook at the beginning of the week. It reheats beautifully and pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re prepping lunches for work or making dinner cleanup easier, this recipe can simplify your week without sacrificing taste.
Here’s how to store, reheat, and even repurpose leftovers
Storage: Keep the chicken, quinoa, and sauce in separate containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce together on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Time-saver tip: Make a double batch of the garlic parmesan sauce — it’s great drizzled over roasted veggies, salmon, or even pasta.
For more meal prepping tips, check out my Meal Prepping Guide eBook.
Instructions
Prep the chicken
Cut chicken breast into strips or bite-sized pieces. Pat dry. Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Cook the chicken:
Air fry at 400°F for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Oven option: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
Cook quinoa
Prepare quinoa according to package instructions.
Make the garlic parmesan sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Reduce heat and stir in parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth (don’t let the cheese clump!).
Sauté the zucchini
In a separate pan, sauté chopped zucchini in a drizzle of olive oil until tender, about 3–5 minutes.
Assemble
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Add the sautéed zucchini and toss.
Serve
Scoop over a bed of quinoa and enjoy while hot.
What Tools Am I Cooking With?
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I personally use and love in my own kitchen!
20-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Simple, easy, and so good. This 20-Minute Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is as packed with flavors as it is with protein. A staple recipe for anyone looking to build muscle or simply enjoy a more healthy lifestyle!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into strips. Season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Cook in air fryer at 400 degrees F for five minutes. Or cook in oven on a baking dish at 425 degrees F for 20 minutes.
- Cook quinoa according to instructions on package.
- While chicken is cooking, combine the butter, garlic, parmesan, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Simmer and stir constantly or the parmesan will start clumping.
- Sauté chopped zucchini in a separate pan for a few minutes or until cooked through.
- Once chicken is cooked, pour butter garlic parmesan sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
- Mix in the zucchini and serve over quinoa.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this without an air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Bake the chicken at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs are a little juicier and just as flavorful — just adjust the cook time slightly (typically 2–3 minutes longer).
Q: What can I serve with this besides quinoa?
A: Try brown rice, mashed cauliflower, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad on the side.
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