Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

If you’re craving a quick and delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor and crunch, then this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo recipe is your new best friend. Combining the creamy richness of mayo with the sharp, nutty tang of Parmesan, and cooking it all to crispy perfection in the air fryer, this dish offers a healthier twist on traditional breaded chicken without sacrificing any taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a golden, crunchy crust that’s just like deep frying but far healthier and less greasy.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like mayo, Parmesan, and a few spices, it’s easy to whip up anytime.
• Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy schedules without compromising flavor.
• Perfectly Moist Chicken: The mayo coating locks in moisture, ensuring juicy chicken with every bite.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe works well as a main, sandwich filling, or salad topping, making it a flexible mealtime option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because each simple ingredient plays a vital role, creating a symphony of flavor, color, and texture. From creamy mayo to sharp Parmesan and savory seasonings, every component works together effortlessly.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy coating and even cooking.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as the binding and moisturizing agent that helps the Parmesan stick.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty crust that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
• Paprika: Gives color and a mild smoky warmth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Optional herbs (Italian seasoning or dried parsley): Brighten and enhance the overall taste with herbal notes.

Variations for Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your own tastes or dietary needs. It’s incredibly flexible and simple to personalize with what you have on hand.

• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra layer of heat in the crust.
• Herb boost: Mix fresh chopped basil or thyme into the mayo for a fresh, aromatic twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of Parmesan if you prefer.
• Lemon zest: Add grated lemon peel to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor lift.
• Cheese swap: Experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different but equally savory coating.

How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the mayo and Parmesan stick better and promotes crispiness. If needed, trim any excess fat or connective tissue for an even cook.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Mayo Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the mayonnaise with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until smooth—this mixture is the secret to that signature crispy crust and juicy inside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly

Dip each chicken piece into the Parmesan mayo mixture, ensuring every inch is evenly covered. Use your hands or a spatula to press the coating onto the surface firmly for better adhesion during air frying.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken in the Air Fryer

Spray or lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.

Step 5: Cook Until Golden and Crispy

Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be crispy on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking to retain juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

• Room temperature chicken: Allow chicken to sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate to get that crisp texture, so cook in batches if necessary.
• Use real Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Light spray of oil: A quick spritz of olive oil before cooking enhances browning and crispiness.
• Flip halfway: Turning the chicken helps both sides brown evenly without overcooking.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and color, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and flavor layers.

Side Dishes

This crispy chicken pairs beautifully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken thinly to top a crisp Caesar salad or stuffing it inside a crunchy wrap with fresh greens and your favorite sauce for a handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; this ensures it stays juicy and flavorful but always reheat thoroughly before eating.

Freezing

Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer bag. Frozen Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo can last up to 2 months and reheat well from frozen.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore that crispy crust without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work very well with the parmesan mayo coating, just adjust cooking times slightly as they may require more time.

Is the mayonnaise flavor strongly noticeable?

Not really—the mayo mostly acts as a moisture barrier and helps with crisping; its flavor melts into the Parmesan and seasonings for a balanced taste.

Can I prepare this recipe without an air fryer?

You can bake it in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, but the air fryer ensures the crispiest results.

Do I need to use full-fat mayonnaise?

Full-fat mayo yields the best taste and crisping, but you can experiment with light mayonnaise if preferred, just expect a slight difference in texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that all spices are gluten-free certified.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful chicken dinner that’s quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is so straightforward to make, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests. Once you try it, this recipe will likely become a staple in your cooking rotation! So grab your air fryer, gather those ingredients, and get ready for a meal that’s utterly irresistible.

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