Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken with a delightful parmesan air fryer magic transforms ordinary meals into something spectacular.

Creamy mayo creates an unexpected layer of richness that surprises every palate.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive technique without complex culinary skills.

Each bite promises a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside.

Seasonings like garlic powder and herbs add depth to the coating’s flavor profile.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Discover how a few smart techniques can turn basic chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll absolutely love.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Mayo Magic

• Speedy Meal Solution: Whip up a delicious dinner in mere minutes with this simple air fryer recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.
• No-Mess Cooking Technique: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the air fryer, which creates a perfectly golden crust without excessive oil or multiple pans.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Boost: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy parmesan coating and rich, savory taste that makes this chicken irresistibly delicious.
• Versatile Dinner Option: Easily pair with salads, roasted vegetables, or rice for a complete meal that works for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the base for this crispy air fryer dish.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that helps the breading stick to the chicken and adds moisture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Hard, salty cheese that creates a golden and flavorful crust.
• Breadcrumbs: Dry, ground bread that provides a crunchy exterior to the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
• Paprika: Mild spice that adds a warm color and subtle smokiness to the coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken in Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer Temperature

Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mayo Coating

• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, well-mixed coating.

Step 3: Develop Crispy Parmesan Breading

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Blend the ingredients thoroughly to create a crunchy exterior for the chicken.

Step 4: Coat Chicken With Seasoned Mayo

Dip each chicken breast into the mayo mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Carefully press the coated chicken into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, creating a thick, golden crust.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken In Air Fryer

Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer without overcrowding.

Step 6: Cook To Crispy Perfection

Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through cooking.

The chicken is ready when it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cooked chicken for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, flavorful chicken.

Expert Tips for Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken

• Pat chicken dry before applying mayo mixture to ensure better adherence and crispier crust.
• Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil to stop chicken from sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Use meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before coating to promote even cooking and consistent texture.
• Experiment with different herb and spice combinations in breadcrumb mixture for personalized taste variations.

Variations on Parmesan Chicken You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed almond flour or gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Low-Fat Variation: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt or light sour cream to reduce calorie content while keeping chicken moist and flavorful.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Add red pepper flakes and dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the parmesan mixture for a zesty, aromatic chicken experience.
• Mediterranean Style: Mix in za'atar spice blend and replace parmesan with feta cheese crumbles for a Middle Eastern-inspired coating that brings exciting flavors.

Serving Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Ideas

• Flavor Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to complement the crispy chicken's rich parmesan coating.
• Veggie Sidekick: Add steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's savory profile.
• Sauce Sensation: Drizzle with homemade ranch, honey mustard, or a zesty marinara sauce to enhance the chicken's crispy texture and add extra flavor depth.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like basil or chives on top for a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire meal's presentation and taste.

Storing Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Safely

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F, place chicken in basket, and warm for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Spritz with a little oil to maintain crispiness.
• Reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to prevent drying out. Add a small splash of water to help retain moisture.

FAQs

• Is mayo a good binding agent for chicken coating?

Mayo helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful crust that seals in moisture and prevents dry chicken.

• Can I use different types of cheese instead of parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or grated asiago work well as substitutes, offering similar salty and tangy flavor profiles to parmesan.

• Why use an air fryer for this recipe?

Air fryers cook faster, use less oil, create crispier exteriors, and help chicken stay juicy compared to traditional oven baking methods.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and thoroughly cooked.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken delights dinner tables with golden, herb-infused perfection. Juicy chicken meets zesty parmesan and creamy mayo, creating a quick meal sure to satisfy hungry families and make weeknight cooking a breeze.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese and Coating:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare air fryer and preheat to 400F (200C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Create a flavorful coating by blending mayonnaise with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate shallow dish, thoroughly combine grated parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs to form a crispy exterior mixture.
4. Generously slather each chicken breast with the seasoned mayonnaise mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Carefully press the mayo-coated chicken into the parmesan-breadcrumb blend, guaranteeing an even, consistent crust on all sides.
6. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for proper air circulation.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes at 400F, rotating the chicken midway through cooking to promote uniform browning and crispy texture.
8. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the golden-brown chicken for a vibrant garnish and added freshness.
10. Transfer to serving plate and enjoy immediately while crisp and hot.

Notes

• Customize the coating by mixing different herbs and spices into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor variations.
• Ensure chicken breasts are similar in thickness to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely, avoiding overcooking that can make chicken tough and dry.
• Consider low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt as healthier substitutes to reduce calories while maintaining moisture in the chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg