Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pecorino Chicken (Delish Combo of Spices)

If you love rich, flavorful chicken that’s crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, the Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pecorino Chicken is a must-try. Coated with savory garlic butter and sprinkled with nutty Pecorino Romano cheese, this chicken feels indulgent without being complicated. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve a golden crust while locking in the juicy texture that makes chicken irresistible.

I make this recipe whenever I want a dinner that feels both comforting and a little special. The combination of garlic, butter, and Pecorino creates a savory depth that keeps you coming back for another bite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly while crisping up the exterior without deep frying. Garlic butter adds moisture and flavor during cooking, while the Pecorino Romano forms a slightly golden, nutty crust. The result is chicken that tastes rich and complex, yet it’s straightforward to make at home.

Because the chicken is coated with flavorful cheese and butter, it doesn’t need heavy sauces, though you can serve it with a light drizzle of extra garlic butter if you like.

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the garlic butter Pecorino topping

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

For serving

• Lemon wedges
• Extra parsley for garnish
• Side of vegetables, rice, or pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
5. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in minced garlic. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and brush generously with garlic butter.
8. Sprinkle grated Pecorino Romano over the top of each piece, followed by parsley and Italian herbs if using.
9. Return the chicken to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to lightly melt and form a golden crust.
10. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.

Tips for the Best Results

• Patting the chicken dry ensures the coating adheres and helps it crisp nicely.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
• Freshly grated Pecorino melts better and provides richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

For more chicken cooking tips, don’t miss my full air fryer chicken recipe guide.

Flavor Variations

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
• Swap Pecorino Romano for Parmesan or Asiago for a different but equally delicious cheese flavor.
• Stir some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the butter for extra depth.

Serving Ideas

Serve this chicken with a simple salad, roasted potatoes, air-fried vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a pasta twist, toss cooked pasta with a bit of garlic butter and fresh parsley, then top with sliced chicken.

Leftovers work well in wraps, sandwiches, or over grain bowls for lunch the next day.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain crispiness. Add a touch of extra garlic butter when reheating to refresh the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Pecorino Chicken is a flavorful, indulgent, and easy-to-make dinner that feels special without being complicated. The crispy exterior, tender interior, and savory garlic butter with Pecorino make this a crowd-pleaser for weeknights or weekend dinners. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, cooked with care, can transform into a dish that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant.

This recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance, showing that air fryer cooking can elevate everyday chicken into something truly delicious.