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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a quick and easy recipe that delivers perfectly crispy and juicy chicken with a golden parmesan crust. The creamy mayo helps seal in moisture while the parmesan cheese adds a flavorful, crunchy coating. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and cooks faster than traditional methods for a delicious, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Coating and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs blend (optional)
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray, as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a flavorful base.
  2. Coat with Mayonnaise: Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over each chicken piece to act as a moisture lock and flavor enhancer.
  3. Create the Parmesan Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, and optional Italian herbs. Mix well for an even distribution of spices.
  4. Press Chicken into Parmesan Mix: Firmly press each mayo-coated chicken piece into the parmesan mixture, covering all sides evenly to form a crispy, cheesy crust.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  6. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let it Rest: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in juices before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and to prevent drying out.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating adhere well and crisp up.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space between pieces to allow hot air circulation.
  • Use a light spray of oil to enhance browning and crispness without excess grease.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
  • Customize the parmesan mixture with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, mayo chicken recipe, crispy chicken, quick chicken dinner, gluten free chicken