The Perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

Tucking into crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Creamy condiments blend magically with golden breading for an unexpectedly luxurious meal.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this gourmet without complicated preparation.

Parmesan’s sharp bite complements tender chicken in ways that surprise and delight.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor without complex cooking techniques.

Simple pantry staples become something extraordinary through smart cooking methods.

Jump into this recipe and discover how effortlessly delicious weeknight meals can be.

What Goes In Parmesan Mayo Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the base of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Mayonnaise, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy mixture that helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken and adds rich flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy exterior and golden-brown texture for the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the chicken coating.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning in the air fryer.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken In Air Fryer Prep

Step 1: Prep Air Fryer

Heat the air fryer to 375°F so it’s ready for cooking.

This temperature ensures a perfectly crispy exterior.

Step 2: Create Creamy Coating

• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Develop Crunchy Breadcrumb Mix

• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Dress Chicken

Generously coat each chicken breast with the mayo-cheese mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Then roll the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.

Step 5: Arrange in Air Fryer

Place breaded chicken into the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Air fry for 15-18 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, carefully flip the chicken to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.

The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove chicken from air fryer, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot.

Enjoy your crispy, juicy parmesan-crusted chicken!

How To Get That Perfect Parmesan Crust In The Air Fryer

• Use an accurate measuring cup and spoon to ensure the right ratio of mayo and Parmesan for a perfectly balanced coating.
• Remove excess moisture from chicken breasts with paper towels before coating to help the mayo and breadcrumbs stick better and create a crispier crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, preventing undercooking.
• Leave space between chicken pieces in the air fryer basket to allow hot air circulation and ensure even, crispy cooking.
• Experiment with different herbs like dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to add extra flavor complexity.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken: Storage Tips

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain crispy coating and prevent dryness.
• Use sparingly as it can soften the crispy crust; heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Parmesan Chicken Air Fryer Pairings

• Elevate Citrus Zest Pairing: Brighten the crispy chicken with a zesty lemon-herb sauce, combining fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a touch of garlic for a tangy complement.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the Parmesan crust and enhance the chicken's delicate flavors.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh crunch.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roast asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic to provide a nutritious and flavorful side that complements the chicken's crispy texture.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Fresh Flavors

• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour, adding dried herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Lean Version: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein, using a blend of panko and whole wheat breadcrumbs for texture.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Mix chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into breadcrumbs, using pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for a hot kick.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, combine with grated Parmesan and almond flour for a low-carb crispy coating.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature, which might be slightly longer than chicken breasts.

• Is mayonnaise necessary for this recipe?

Mayonnaise helps create a moist, crispy coating and helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. If you want an alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or egg wash as a binding agent.

• Do I need a special type of breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko breadcrumbs will give an extra crispy texture. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy.

What Makes Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe So Crispy

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious chicken in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Air fryer ensures perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender without excess oil.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Parmesan and garlic-seasoned breadcrumbs create a mouthwatering crust that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners with minimal cleanup and maximum taste satisfaction.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken emerges as a quick weeknight dinner sensation, delivering restaurant-quality flavor from your air fryer. Creamy mayo and savory parmesan cheese create an irresistible golden crust you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the appliance is clean and ready for cooking.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend mayonnaise with finely grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-combined.
3. Create a seasoned coating by whisking together breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a separate shallow dish.
4. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
5. Generously spread the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture over each chicken breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Roll the mayo-coated chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick firmly to the meat.
7. Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
8. Carefully arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
9. Cook the chicken for 15-18 minutes, rotating the pieces halfway through to guarantee uniform crispiness and thorough cooking.
10. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
11. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and let the juices redistribute.
12. Plate the golden-brown, crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are even thickness for consistent cooking by gently pounding them before coating.
• Pat chicken dry before applying mayo mixture to help breading adhere better and create crispier exterior.
• For gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs.
• Customize seasonings by adding herbs like dried basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning blend for extra flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg