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.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- Coat with Mayonnaise: Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over each chicken piece to act as a moisture lock and flavor enhancer.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, mayo chicken recipe, crispy chicken, quick chicken dinner, gluten free chicken