Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe
Introduction
The aroma of golden, crispy chicken wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug for your senses. This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo offers a juicy, flavorful bite coated in a crunchy, cheesy crust. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Step 4: Spread mayonnaise generously over each chicken breast, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
- Step 6: Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for extra crunch, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense flavor, use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, though it might alter the richness slightly.
- If your air fryer is small, cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crispiness.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before eating.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore the crispiness without drying out the meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
For best results, use thawed chicken breasts. Cooking from frozen can cause uneven cooking and may leave the crust soggy or undercooked.
Is mayonnaise necessary for the coating?
Mayonnaise acts as a binder and adds moisture and richness, helping the parmesan breadcrumb crust stick well and stay juicy. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mustard, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken coated with a rich mayo base that ensures a perfectly golden crust. This quick and easy recipe combines the savory taste of parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs to create a deliciously crunchy coating while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat, this dish delivers decadent flavor with minimal fuss using the air fryer.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Coating Mix
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Binding
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and achieves a crispier texture.
- Mix the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the freshly grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning and cheese.
- Apply the Mayo and Coat: Generously spread mayonnaise over each chicken breast. This acts as a flavorful adhesive. Then, thoroughly coat each piece in the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air circulation for crispiness.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure an even golden brown crust. Check for doneness by confirming the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top before serving.
- You can substitute plain breadcrumbs with panko for an even crunchier crust.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure each piece cooks evenly and crisps properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Air Fryer Dinner
