Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious, crispy, and healthier version of fried chicken, this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo recipe is perfect for you! Not only does it offer a tantalizing crunch, but it also delivers juicy, flavorful chicken that’s bound to impress even the pickiest eaters. The best part? You’ll be using your air fryer, so you get all the fried goodness with a fraction of the oil and calories! Keep reading to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish step by step and some handy tips to ensure you get the best results.

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What is Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo?

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a dish where chicken breasts (or thighs) are coated in a mixture of mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese, then air-fried to crispy perfection. The mayo helps the Parmesan adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist, while the air fryer ensures a golden-brown crust without the need for deep frying. It's an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're craving comfort food without the guilt of traditional frying.

Ingredients List for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo

To make this delicious dish, you'll need some simple ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a slight kick)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray or olive oil for the air fryer basket
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are numerous ways to adjust it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations:

1. Chicken Cut: If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, you can use chicken thighs, tenders, or even chicken drumsticks. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the cut of meat.
2. Cheese: While Parmesan is classic for this recipe, you can swap it out for other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different flavor.
3. Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise. These options will still give you that creamy texture while cutting down on fat.
4. Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crunch, but you can substitute them with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed pork rinds for a low-carb or keto-friendly version.
5. Spices: Feel free to add more seasonings to customize the flavor. Try Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this crispy, juicy air fryer Parmesan crusted chicken with mayo.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the mayo and Parmesan coating to adhere better and crisp up nicely in the air fryer. If the chicken breasts are thick, consider cutting them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which will cook more evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until you get a smooth, thick paste.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Using a spoon or spatula, spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Make sure every part of the chicken is well-coated for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Apply the Breadcrumbs

Once the chicken is coated with the mayo mixture, press the panko breadcrumbs onto both sides of the chicken breasts. The breadcrumbs will stick to the mayo, creating a perfect crunchy crust. For an extra crispy texture, you can give the chicken a second layer of breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps give the chicken a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t overlapping. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t touching in the air fryer. Overcrowding prevents the air from circulating properly, which can result in uneven cooking and a soggy crust.
2. Skipping the Preheat: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden exterior. If you skip this step, your chicken may not crisp up as desired.
3. Not Drying the Chicken: Always pat your chicken dry before applying the mayo mixture. Excess moisture on the chicken can prevent the coating from adhering and can make the crust soggy.
4. Cooking on Too High of a Temperature: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so cooking on too high of heat can cause the outside to burn while the inside remains undercooked. Stick to the recommended temperature for best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This dish is not only delicious but also looks great on the plate. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo

• Pair with Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a healthy and colorful meal.
• Over Salad: Slice the chicken into strips and serve over a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach with a light vinaigrette.
• With Pasta: For a heartier meal, pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic.

Presentation Ideas for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo

• Garnish with Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil leaves not only add color but also enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Drizzle with Sauce: A light drizzle of lemon butter or garlic aioli on top adds an extra layer of richness and enhances the overall presentation.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: Lemon wedges on the side give your dish a pop of color and provide a bright, zesty contrast to the rich chicken.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo Recipe Tips

1. Use Thin Chicken Breasts: Thinner chicken breasts cook more evenly and faster in the air fryer, ensuring you get that perfect balance of juicy inside and crispy outside.
2. Add Extra Seasonings: Feel free to play with the seasoning in the mayo-Parmesan mixture. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
3. Make It Keto: For a low-carb version, skip the panko breadcrumbs and opt for crushed pork rinds or almond flour to create a keto-friendly crust.
4. Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily, so if you're feeding a larger group, you can prepare multiple batches. Just keep the first batch warm in the oven while you air fry the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: It's best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. Frozen chicken may release extra moisture, which can affect the texture of the crust.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular oven?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a wire rack for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy and fully cooked.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain some crispiness.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to crisp it up again.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and healthier alternative to fried chicken: Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo! The combination of creamy mayo, savory Parmesan, and crunchy breadcrumbs makes this dish a winner every time. Whether you're making it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Be sure to try out some of the variations and substitutions to make it your own, and don’t forget to follow the step-by-step guide to ensure perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken every time.

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