Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner that's packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo recipe is a must-try! The air fryer ensures that the chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, while the mayonnaise keeps it moist and tender on the inside. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible. This dish takes minimal effort, but delivers maximum taste—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Keep reading for a full breakdown of how to make this delicious recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips for serving it in style!

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What is Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo?

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a crispy and flavorful dish where chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, then cooked in an air fryer to golden perfection. The air fryer gives the chicken a deliciously crispy crust without the need for excess oil, making this dish both healthier and quicker than traditional fried chicken. The mayo helps the crust stick to the chicken and adds a layer of creaminess that keeps the meat juicy.

Ingredients List for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this deliciously crispy chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, and you can make a few substitutions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Mayonnaise: You can substitute regular mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option. You can also use flavored mayo (like garlic or chipotle) for added depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Feel free to mix Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano to change up the flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed pork rinds (for a low-carb option) work well too.
• Chicken Cuts: You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as darker meat takes a bit longer to cook.
• Seasoning: Add some heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes, or use your favorite spice blend to personalize the recipe.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo in your air fryer.

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that desired crispy crust.

2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the mayo mixture stick better. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Mix the Parmesan Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until you have a thick, spreadable mixture.

4. Coat the Chicken

Using a spoon or spatula, spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure to coat it generously, as this will form the crispy crust. Once coated, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top, pressing them lightly to adhere to the mayo mixture.

5. Air Fry the Chicken

Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure to leave some space between each piece for air to circulate, which helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil spray for extra crispiness.

6. Cook in the Air Fryer

Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer and flip the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

7. Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

8. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to cook your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season Chicken: Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix Coating: Combine mayo, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Coat Chicken: Spread mayo mixture on chicken breasts and top with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results:

1. Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent the chicken from crisping up. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
2. Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer. It helps to crisp up the coating faster and ensures even cooking.
3. Not Flipping the Chicken: Flipping the chicken halfway ensures that both sides get crispy. Don’t forget this step!
4. Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken can take it from a regular meal to a show-stopping dish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Side Dishes: Serve this chicken with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
• Pasta: Pair it with pasta tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce for a more Italian-style dinner.
• Low-Carb Options: Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier, low-carb alternative.

Presentation Ideas for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Slice and Fan: Slice the chicken breasts and fan the slices on the plate for a more elegant presentation.
• Garnish Generously: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving, along with a few sprigs of parsley for a pop of color.
• Plate with Lemon: Serve with a lemon wedge on the side. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and mayo crust, adding balance to the dish.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe Tips

• Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Add Extra Herbs: For an even more flavorful crust, add fresh chopped basil or thyme to the Parmesan mixture.
• Crispier Crust: For an extra crispy crust, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan before adding them to the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: It's best to thaw chicken breasts completely before air frying for even cooking. Frozen chicken won’t cook evenly in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken, coat it in the mayo mixture, and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: You can bake this in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to regain some of the crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week. The air fryer ensures the chicken gets crispy without all the oil, while the mayo-Parmesan mixture keeps it juicy and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal. Try this recipe out tonight—you won’t be disappointed!

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