Irresistible Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

Chicken transforms from ordinary to extraordinary when you slather it with a creamy mayo parmesan crust in this air fryer recipe.

The golden, crispy coating seals in incredible moisture and flavor.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of tangy parmesan and tender meat.

Your air fryer works magic, creating a crunchy exterior without excess oil.

This simple yet impressive dish comes together in minutes with minimal prep work.

The result is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

Savor the delightful crunch and rich flavors that will make this recipe a new weeknight favorite.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Crispy from the Air Fryer

• Whip Up Gourmet Goodness: Simple restaurant-style chicken that transforms everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
• Speedy Kitchen Magic: Prepare a delicious dinner in minutes with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights and quick-fix meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Kid-friendly recipe that delivers crispy, cheesy chicken everyone will love, from picky eaters to food enthusiasts.
• Healthy Cooking Hack: Uses air fryer technology to create a lighter version of classic fried chicken with less oil and maximum crunch.

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this air fryer recipe.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and provides moisture.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs and spices that adds rich flavor to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Dry mixture that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken.

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

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Mayo

Step 1: Warm Up The Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Stir until the ingredients are completely combined and form a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Coat Chicken With Creamy Mixture

Generously spread the mayo blend over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Create Crispy Coating

• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs

Thoroughly coat each mayo-covered chicken breast in the cheese and breadcrumb blend, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.

Step 5: Prepare For Cooking

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

Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Step 6: Cook To Perfection

Air fry the chicken for 15-18 minutes.

Carefully flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior becomes golden and crunchy.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and plate immediately.

Enjoy the crispy, flavorful chicken while it’s hot and fresh.

Tips for Golden, Juicy Air Fryer Chicken

• Choose uniform, medium-sized chicken breasts for even cooking and consistent crispiness in the air fryer.
• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before applying mayo mixture, ensuring a crunchier, better-adhered coating.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
• Space chicken pieces separately in the air fryer to allow hot air circulation, creating a crisp, golden exterior on all sides.
• Apply mayo first, then press parmesan-breadcrumb mixture gently to help ingredients stick and create a deliciously crunchy crust.

Flavor Twists for Air Fryer Chicken

• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond meal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Greek Yogurt Coating Variation: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat alternative that keeps chicken moist.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and add extra parmesan cheese to create a low-carb crispy coating.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Mix chili powder and smoked paprika into the parmesan coating for a zesty, bold flavor profile.

Ways to Serve Parmesan Chicken

• Elegant Side Salad: Pair the crispy chicken with a light mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, balanced meal that complements the rich parmesan crust.
• Pasta Companion: Serve alongside angel hair pasta tossed with garlic butter and fresh parsley to create a complete Italian-inspired dinner that elevates the chicken's flavors.
• Veggie Harmony: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add color, nutrition, and a delightful roasted texture that matches the chicken's crispy exterior.
• Dipping Delight: Prepare quick dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or herbed aioli to add extra excitement and allow guests to customize their chicken experience.

Storage for Parmesan Chicken with Mayo

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place chicken pieces in basket, cook for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method helps restore crispy coating and prevents dryness.
• Wrap chicken in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm at 275°F for 10-15 minutes. Unwrap during last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the parmesan crust.

FAQs

• Is mayo a good binding agent for chicken?

Mayo helps the parmesan and breadcrumbs stick to chicken, creating a delicious crispy coating that locks in moisture and adds rich flavor.

• Can I use different types of cheese instead of parmesan?

Grated romano or asiago cheese work great as substitutes and provide similar salty, nutty flavors to complement the chicken.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Why use an air fryer for this recipe?

Air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens, create a crispy exterior with less oil, and help chicken stay tender and evenly cooked without excess grease.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Parmesan-crusted chicken delivers crispy, golden perfection straight from your air fryer. Creamy mayo and savory cheese create an irresistible coating that locks in juicy chicken while delivering maximum flavor for quick, delightful dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese and Seasoning Blend:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil

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Instructions

1. Set air fryer to 375°F, ensuring proper preheating for optimal crispiness.
2. Whisk mayonnaise with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful base coating.
3. Generously brush the mayonnaise mixture across both surfaces of each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Create a crispy exterior by mixing parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a separate dish.
5. Thoroughly dredge each chicken breast in the parmesan-breadcrumb blend, pressing gently to help coating adhere.
6. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining space between each piece.
7. Lightly mist chicken with cooking spray to enhance golden browning and prevent sticking.
8. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, rotating chicken midway through cooking process to ensure even browning.
9. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming chicken is fully cooked.
10. Allow chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and set crispy crust.
11. Plate immediately and serve while crispy exterior remains crunchy and warm.

Notes

• Choose thin chicken breasts for even cooking and crispy crust, ensuring uniform thickness around 1/2 inch.
• Pat chicken completely dry before applying mayo mixture to help breading adhere perfectly and create crunchier exterior.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Swap traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo to reduce calories while maintaining moisture and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 467 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 534 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 141 mg