Air Fryer Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Description
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Crusted Chicken made in the air fryer — juicy marinated chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch-Parmesan spread, melted provolone, and a buttery panko crust. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb total)
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Ranch-Parmesan Spread:
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Crispy Parmesan Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Place in a zip-top bag with the Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and pat thoroughly dry. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- While the chicken cooks, stir together the ranch dressing and ¼ cup Parmesan in a small bowl. In a second bowl, combine the panko, ⅓ cup Parmesan, melted butter, and garlic powder until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Open the air fryer. Spread the ranch-Parmesan mixture over each breast, top with provolone slices, then pile on the panko-Parmesan topping and gently press it down.
- Air fry for another 3–4 minutes at 375°F, until the topping is deep golden brown and the cheese is fully melted (internal temp 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest 3–5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block — shaker Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent the topping from melting smoothly.
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Don't skip the meat thermometer. Pull the chicken at 165°F for the juiciest results.
- If your air fryer runs hot, drop the temperature to 360°F and add 1–2 minutes.
- To prevent the topping from blowing around during the final cook, press it firmly into the melted cheese.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 12gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 758mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 469IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 340mgIron: 1mg