Description
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo delivers a juicy, tender chicken breast coated in a golden, crispy parmesan and seasoning crust thanks to the magic of mayonnaise and an air fryer. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken with minimal oil while locking in moisture and flavor, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or substitute with fresh rosemary or thyme)
Other
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Cooking spray (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better coating adhesion. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow dish, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, mixing well to create a flavorful crust mixture.
- Coat with Mayo: Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on both sides of each chicken breast. This layer acts as the binding agent for the parmesan mixture and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Dip into Parmesan Mixture: Press each mayo-coated chicken breast firmly into the Parmesan seasoning mixture, ensuring all sides are thoroughly coated for a crispy crust.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even, golden crust. Check doneness with a meat thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps lock in the juices for a tender, flavorful bite.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and crisping results.
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure a crispy coating.
- Lightly spray cooking spray on the coating for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, healthy crispy chicken, mayo chicken, gluten free chicken, quick chicken recipe
