This crispy air fryer Parmesan chicken is a game changer! Coated in a tasty mayo and cheesy mixture, it turns out golden and crunchy without all the frying fuss.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up! Just mix, coat, and air fry—dinner is ready in no time! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little cheesy goodness? 🍗🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe. If you need a substitute, turkey cutlets work well too. They cook quickly and stay juicy!
Mayonnaise: This adds moisture and binds the cheese to the chicken. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. It gives a similar creaminess but with extra protein.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is ideal for a crispy coating. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even nutritional yeast if you’re going dairy-free!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give your chicken a delightful crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be quite as crispy. You can also crush up cornflakes for a fun twist!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Crispiness in My Air Fryer?
Getting your chicken perfectly crispy takes a few key steps. Here’s how:
- Make sure to pat your chicken dry—this helps the breading stick better.
- Don’t skip coating the chicken in the mayonnaise mixture first; it helps the crumbs adhere and adds flavor.
- Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly after dredging—this helps create a thicker crust.
- Air fry in a single layer, as overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Finally, a light spray of oil on top before cooking helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
By following these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy Parmesan chicken every time! Enjoy your meal!
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 to 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus about 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Total time is roughly 20-25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. If the chicken is thick, you can either butterfly the breasts or pound them gently to an even thickness, ensuring they cook evenly.
2. Make the Mayo and Cheese Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese until it’s well combined. This creamy mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick and add a delicious flavor!
3. Mix the Seasoned Breadcrumbs:
In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a tasty crunch!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the mayonnaise and Parmesan mixture, making sure all sides are evenly coated. Then, dredge the coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing so that the crumbs stick well.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy.
6. Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Just give the tops a quick spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
7. Cook to Perfection:
Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. Serve hot with your choice of sides or dipping sauces. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Parmesan chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works well as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, giving you a creamy coating with added protein. Just be aware that it may impart a slightly tangier flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for best results, keeping the coating crispy.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, but they won’t be as crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or even crushed crackers can provide that desired crunch!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken ahead of time! After coating the chicken in mayonnaise and breadcrumbs, store them in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before air frying for even cooking.
