Crispy 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 delivers a juicy, flavorful bite with a crunchy, cheesy coating. It’s an easy recipe that brings family and friends together in no time.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
4. Step 4: Spread mayonnaise generously over each chicken breast, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
6. Step 6: Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Use plain mayonnaise or a flavored variety like garlic mayo for a twist.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or your favorite dipping sauce for added brightness.

Storage

Store any leftovers 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 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute parmesan with pecorino Romano or a mix of parmesan and cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese is finely grated for even coating.

Is mayonnaise necessary in this recipe?

Mayonnaise helps the breadcrumbs and cheese stick better to the chicken and adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or mustard, but mayo gives the best crispy crust.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and juicy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo that delivers a crispy, golden-brown crust and tender chicken inside. The combination of mayonnaise and parmesan cheese ensures a moist interior while the seasoned breadcrumb coating adds a delicious crunch. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal that comes together in under 30 minutes using the convenience of an air fryer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Coating

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken for an even cooking temperature.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well and to promote crispiness.
3. Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine the freshly grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and cheese.
4. Coat the Chicken: Generously spread mayonnaise over each chicken breast. The mayo acts as a binder and keeps the chicken moist. Then, evenly coat each piece in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crust.
5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
6. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become crispy and golden brown. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked.

Notes

• Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly sized for even cooking.
• Feel free to use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor or plain with added Italian herbs as a substitute.
• The mayonnaise not only helps the coating stick but also keeps the meat juicy during air frying.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for the best crispy texture on both sides.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and avoid overcooking.

• 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 breast, mayo coated chicken, easy chicken recipes, air fryer dinner