CopyCat Longhorn Steakhouse Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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)

Directions

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.