Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

Crispy and golden, this succulent air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Cheese lovers will adore the rich, crunchy coating that seals in juicy chicken.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Creamy mayo adds unexpected moisture and helps the parmesan breadcrumbs stick perfectly.

Our foolproof technique guarantees a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in minutes.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular dinner rotation.

How To Cook Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo

Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer

Turn on the air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Allow the appliance to preheat while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Create Creamy Parmesan Coating

• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper directly onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Apply Creamy Coating

Use a spoon or kitchen brush to spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly across the surface of each chicken breast. Make sure the entire top is covered with a thick, consistent layer.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mayo mixture to create an extra crunchy exterior.

Step 6: Cook Chicken

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

Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Cook for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and develops a golden, crispy crust.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove chicken from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips For Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo

• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps chicken super moist.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe keto and celiac-friendly.
• Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Pat chicken dry before adding mayo mixture to help the coating stick better and create a crispier crust.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or Romano for unique flavor variations.

Variations To Try With Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Gluten-Free Herb Crust: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Greek Transformation: Swap Parmesan with feta cheese and add dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired coating that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Sriracha Chicken Variation: Mix sriracha sauce into mayonnaise for a fiery kick, creating a zesty and bold flavor profile that adds exciting heat to the original recipe.
• Yogurt Protein Boost: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to increase protein content and create a tangier, lighter coating that remains creamy and delicious.

Serving Ideas For Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Weeknight Wonder Plate: Serve this crispy chicken over a bed of mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette for a quick, balanced meal that feels gourmet.
• Comfort Classic Combo: Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables to create a hearty, satisfying dinner that families will love.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Spread: Slice the chicken and place atop warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, diced cucumbers, and fresh herbs for a delightful Mediterranean-style presentation.
• Game Night Appetizer Twist: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with a zesty marinara or ranch dipping sauce as a crowd-pleasing finger food perfect for gatherings.

Storage Solutions For Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to maintain moisture.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and preserve food safety.

FAQs

• Why use mayonnaise as a coating for chicken?

Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken incredibly moist and tender while creating a delicious golden crust that seals in flavor and prevents the meat from drying out during cooking.

• Can I use low-fat mayonnaise for this recipe?

Yes, low-fat mayonnaise works perfectly and will still provide moisture and help the Parmesan cheese adhere to the chicken, though the texture might be slightly different from full-fat mayo.

• Is Parmesan cheese necessary for this recipe?

Parmesan cheese is crucial for creating the crispy, flavorful crust. It adds a rich, salty taste and helps achieve a golden brown exterior when air fried.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo, Crispy And Juicy

• Boost Flavor Instantly: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal.
• Zero Complicated Steps: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple mixing, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious dinner without stress.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From prep to plate, this chicken comes together faster than traditional baking methods, delivering a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior in just minutes.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Pair with salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal that works for family dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining with friends.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for this crispy, flavorful dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps the Parmesan cheese adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and creates a delicious golden crust.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of dried herbs that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch and texture to the chicken's exterior.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green touch and a pop of color to the finished dish.

Quick and Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan crusted chicken with mayo elevates weeknight dinner expectations with minimal effort. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this quick air fryer recipe irresistible for anyone craving restaurant-quality results at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

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

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the chicken.
2. Create a flavorful coating by thoroughly blending mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl.
3. Enhance the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, providing a basic seasoning foundation.
4. Generously coat each chicken breast with the prepared mayo-Parmesan mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. For additional texture, optionally dust the top of the coated chicken with breadcrumbs, which will create a delightfully crisp exterior.
6. Carefully arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote even cooking.
7. Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (74C) and the crust transforms into a golden, crispy shell.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
9. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the crust remains crisp and appetizing.

Notes

• Use full-fat mayonnaise for the richest, most flavorful coating that helps seal in chicken moisture and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure the mayo mixture adheres perfectly and prevents soggy results.
• For gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to maintain crispiness without wheat-based ingredients.
• Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer at the thickest part to guarantee safe, juicy chicken without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg