The Crispiest Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

Crispy, golden air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo promises a delightful twist on classic poultry dishes.

Succulent chicken breasts become irresistibly crunchy when coated with a creamy, cheesy mixture.

Pantry staples like mayonnaise and parmesan cheese create magic in minutes.

Nobody expects such incredible flavor from such simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this foolproof recipe.

Minimal prep and quick cooking mean you can have a gourmet meal faster than ordering takeout.

Trust me, this chicken will become your new go-to dinner solution.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo: Crispy and Juicy

• Speedily Prepare Dinner: Whip up a delicious meal in minutes with minimal ingredients and quick cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Crunch: Easily adjust the recipe by adding breadcrumbs for extra texture or experimenting with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Healthy Cooking Method: Air frying reduces oil usage while keeping the chicken juicy and creating a crispy exterior without excessive calories.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests with a simple yet impressive main dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the base of this delicious air fryer recipe.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that helps create a rich and flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that adds a crispy and savory crust to the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Paprika: Mild spice that provides a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the other flavors.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides an extra layer of crispiness and texture to the chicken's exterior.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning in the air fryer.

How to Cook Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Step 1: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400F (200C) and let it warm up while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mayo Mixture

• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Generously spread the zesty mayo mixture over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Add Extra Crunch (Optional)

For a super crispy exterior, roll the mayo-coated chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick.

Step 5: Prepare for Air Frying

Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Lightly spritz with cooking oil to enhance browning.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes.

Flip the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) and the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and plate immediately.

Pair with your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.

Tips for Best Results with Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Pat chicken breasts dry before applying mayo mixture to ensure better adherence and crunchier texture.
• Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil to help chicken release easily and maintain its crispy crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (75C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Try using panko or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor variety.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil over the chicken after cooking for a fresh, bright finish.

Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Keto-Friendly Parmesan Coating: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb version that maintains crispy texture.
• Greek-Style Herb Chicken: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta and add oregano, dill, and lemon zest to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Variation: Mix in cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the mayo mixture for a zesty, New Orleans-inspired coating that brings heat and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip breading entirely, ensuring the chicken remains crispy and flavorful for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Flavor-Packed Dinner Plate: Pair this crispy parmesan chicken with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or colorful bell peppers for a balanced meal.
• Mediterranean Twist: Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich chicken.
• Comfort Carb Companion: Match the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or garlic roasted pasta for a satisfying and hearty dinner experience.
• Quick Dipping Delight: Prepare a zesty ranch, tangy honey mustard, or herbed aioli sauce for guests to enjoy as a delicious dipping accompaniment to the crispy chicken.

Storage Tips for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F. Place chicken pieces in basket, spray lightly with oil. Warm for 3-4 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through. Check temperature to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.

• Is mayonnaise a good coating for chicken?

Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and creates a delicious, creamy base for the Parmesan cheese and seasonings. It also helps the coating stick to the chicken.

• Do I need breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Breadcrumbs are optional. They add extra crispiness, but the chicken will still be flavorful and golden brown without them. If you want a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo delivers crispy perfection for home cooks seeking quick, delicious meals. Zesty parmesan coating and creamy mayo create an irresistible combination that will make you crave this simple yet flavorful dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds/680 grams)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Additional Ingredient:

• Cooking spray or oil (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 400F (200C), ensuring a consistent cooking environment.
2. Craft a flavorful coating by blending mayonnaise with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Generously slather the seasoned mayo mixture across both surfaces of each chicken breast, creating a rich, even layer.
4. Optional: Enhance the texture by rolling the coated chicken in breadcrumbs for an additional crispy exterior.
5. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer within the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd.
6. Lightly mist the chicken with cooking spray to promote golden browning and prevent sticking.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes, carefully turning the chicken midway through the cooking process to ensure uniform crispness.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), guaranteeing both safety and succulence.
9. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest briefly before presenting with complementary side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer, more flavorful coating that helps seal in chicken moisture and creates a golden crust.
• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before applying mayo mixture to ensure better adherence and crispier texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can prevent even cooking and crispy exterior.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that maintains crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg