Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner recipe that will impress your family or guests, you’ve found it! This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe delivers crispy, juicy, and tender chicken with a rich, cheesy flavor in every bite. Using mayo as the base to adhere the Parmesan cheese and seasonings creates a flavorful crust that’s perfectly crisp in the air fryer. The best part? This recipe is quick and fuss-free, requiring minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried chicken or a low-carb meal, this recipe has you covered. Keep reading for the full instructions and tips to make the best Parmesan-crusted chicken!

What is Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo?

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a quick and easy chicken dish made by coating chicken breasts with a mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings before cooking them in an air fryer. The air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy on the inside while creating a crispy, golden crust on the outside. The mayonnaise helps the Parmesan stick to the chicken and adds a creamy richness that enhances the flavor. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner option that’s both healthy and satisfying!

Ingredients List for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

To make this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • Chicken breasts are the perfect base for this recipe, offering lean protein that cooks quickly in the air fryer.
2. ⅓ cup mayonnaise
   • Mayo keeps the chicken moist and helps create a crispy, golden crust. It also adds a slight tang and richness to the dish.
3. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • Parmesan cheese gives the chicken a savory, cheesy flavor and helps form the delicious, crispy crust.
4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • Garlic powder adds a savory flavor that complements the Parmesan and chicken perfectly.
5. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
   • Italian seasoning brings an herbaceous depth to the chicken. You can use store-bought or make your own mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
6. ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
   • Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a touch of color to the crust.
7. Salt and pepper, to taste
   • Seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
8. Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
   • A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.

Substitutions and Variations

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo recipe is versatile, and you can make it your own by making a few simple swaps or additions. Here are some ideas:

• Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo: If you want a lighter option, you can swap the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. It will still keep the chicken moist and tender while cutting down on fat.
• Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch: For an even crispier crust, you can mix in a couple of tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese. This will add an extra crunchy texture to the chicken.
• Add spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Parmesan cheese and seasonings.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo step by step:

1. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner fillets. Alternatively, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Parmesan coating: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined.
4. Coat the chicken: Use a spoon or a brush to spread the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. The mayo mixture should coat the chicken well, but avoid making it too thick.
5. Cook the chicken in the air fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping.
6. Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure both sides become golden and crispy. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
7. Rest and garnish: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

How to Cook Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the cooking process to ensure your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare the chicken evenly: Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness so they cook uniformly. If your chicken is too thick, it may take longer to cook, and the Parmesan crust could burn before the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Don’t overcoat with mayo: The mayo mixture should fully coat the chicken breasts, but be careful not to pile it on too thickly. A thin, even layer will give you the best crispy texture.
3. Flipping for even cooking: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures the crust gets golden and crispy on both sides. If you’re worried about the cheese sticking to the air fryer basket, you can place a small piece of parchment paper or use a silicone air fryer mat under the chicken.
4. Check doneness with a meat thermometer: The key to perfectly cooked chicken is reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you should watch out for:

1. Overcrowding the air fryer basket: Make sure the chicken breasts are spaced out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the crust from getting crispy.
2. Not flipping the chicken: To achieve an even, crispy crust, it’s important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Otherwise, one side may be too soft or undercooked.
3. Using too much mayo: While mayo is essential for creating a flavorful and crispy crust, using too much can cause the chicken to become soggy. Stick to a thin, even layer for the best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

• Serve with a side of veggies: Roasted vegetables, such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, are great options to keep the meal healthy and balanced.
• Pair with a simple salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
• Serve with pasta: For a more indulgent meal, serve the chicken with buttered noodles or a side of creamy pasta, like Alfredo or garlic Parmesan pasta.

Presentation Ideas for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

To make your dish look as good as it tastes, here are a few presentation ideas:

• Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds color but also gives the dish a fresh and vibrant flavor.
• Serve on a platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with lemon wedges on the side for a touch of brightness and acidity.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make ahead option: You can prepare the chicken breasts with the mayo-Parmesan coating ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before air frying. This makes dinnertime even quicker!
• Double the recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re serving a larger group. Just make sure to cook the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
• Add extra seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the Parmesan mixture. Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of chili powder can add interesting flavor variations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded Parmesan, but finely grated Parmesan works best for creating a smooth, crispy crust. Avoid using powdered Parmesan cheese, as it may not melt as nicely.

Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of an air fryer?
A: Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the crust is golden.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: It's best to use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, make sure it is fully thawed before adding the mayo and Parmesan coating.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe is the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and tender, making it a family-friendly dinner that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy a crispy, juicy chicken dinner with all the right flavors!

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