This crispy air fryer Parmesan chicken is simply mouth-watering! Coated in juicy mayo and a crunchy Parmesan mix, it’s quick and oh-so-tasty.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this dish on busy days. I often serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. Plus, the air fryer makes clean-up a breeze! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. If you want a healthier option, skinless chicken drumsticks work too.
Mayonnaise: Regular or light mayo works perfectly. For a lighter version, you can replace mayo with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo if you’re avoiding eggs or dairy. I personally love the creaminess mayo adds!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a fantastic flavor. If you can’t find it, pecorino Romano is a good substitute. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast; it won’t be as cheesy but adds flavor!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the best crunch. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be as crispy. You could also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Evenly?
Pounding chicken to an even thickness is key for uniform cooking. Start by placing the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound with a flat side of a meat mallet until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures a juicy center without drying out the edges!
- Use medium pressure to avoid tearing the meat.
- Keep a consistent thickness to help it cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the resting time after air frying; it allows the juices to settle.
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use regular or light)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 5 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, giving you a total time of about 20 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort while delivering big flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This step helps the chicken cook uniformly without drying out the edges!
3. Coat with Mayo:
In a shallow bowl, spread the mayonnaise evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. This not only adds flavor but also helps the coating stick!
4. Make the Coating:
In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to create a delicious coating for your chicken.
5. Apply the Coating:
Take each mayo-coated chicken breast and press it firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Make sure both sides are thoroughly coated, pressing the mixture well so it sticks.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. This is a small but important step!
7. Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure both sides are golden brown and crispy.
8. Check for Doneness:
Once the cooking time is up, check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). It should be golden and crispy on the outside!
9. Rest and Serve:
Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender.
10. Optional Garnish:
If you like, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for an added touch before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your crispy, flavorful Parmesan chicken with that creamy mayo coating! It’s perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey breasts can be used in place of chicken. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may require a minute or two longer depending on thickness.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coating ahead of time. Just coat the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply place it in the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers, making sure they’re finely crumbled to resemble breadcrumbs.
What Do I Serve with This Chicken?
This crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for an extra layer of flavor!
