This crispy air fryer Parmesan chicken is a tasty treat! With juicy chicken coated in a creamy mayo and cheesy coating, it’s super simple and perfect for a quick meal.
Making it in the air fryer means less oil and more crunch. I love serving it alongside a big salad—who can resist that golden, crunchy goodness? 🍗🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like to use chicken breasts for their tenderness, but you can substitute boneless thighs if you prefer something juicier. Just adjust cooking time as they might take a bit longer.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo adds creaminess, but for a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or even vegan mayo. Both will work well while keeping the chicken moist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use pre-grated cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Pecorino Romano can also be a tasty substitute if you like a stronger flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love panko for its light and crispy texture. If you’re out, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but the chicken may not be as crispy. You can also crush up cornflakes for a gluten-free option!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture is all about the coating and cooking method. Here are key tips:
- Make sure your chicken is patted dry; this ensures the mayo sticks well.
- Don’t skip the spritz of cooking spray! It helps the breadcrumbs to brown beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; space allows air to circulate, leading to even cooking.
- Flipping halfway through helps both sides get that golden color.
Following these steps will help you get that satisfying crunch everyone loves!
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds), sliced horizontally into cutlets
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better to the chicken as it cooks.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the mayonnaise with grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until it’s nice and creamy.
3. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will give your chicken a delightful flavor.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken cutlet and spread the mayonnaise-Parmesan mixture evenly over both sides of the cutlet. Make sure it’s a nice thin layer!
5. Dredge in Breadcrumbs:
Now, take each mayo-coated chicken cutlet and press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat all sides well, gently pressing the crumbs on so they stick nicely.
6. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
7. Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken cutlets inside in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for the crispiest results. Give the tops a light spray with cooking spray too!
8. Cook:
Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping the cutlets halfway through the cooking time. Look for a golden brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve it up with your favorite sides or a fresh salad. Enjoy this crunchy, yummy meal!
This method gives you a deeply flavorful crust from the Parmesan and mayo, keeping the chicken juicy inside with a crispy, golden outside—all without deep frying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe, you can use boneless thigh fillets for a juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a mayo substitute and will still keep the chicken moist. Vegan mayo is another great alternative for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to regain that crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal, like cornflakes, for that crunchy texture.
