Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo – Chefjar

When I first discovered air frying, I was skeptical. Could it really replace the crispy, golden perfection of a pan-fried or baked dish? But after trying this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, I was hooked. This recipe is perfect for anyone, especially beginners, because it’s incredibly easy, quick, and requires minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor.

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, this lemon herb parmesan chicken is the perfect solution. With no deep frying required, it offers that satisfying crispy texture with much less oil. It’s beginner-friendly because you don’t need any special cooking skills—just coat the chicken, air fry, and enjoy!

Why This Recipe is Special

• Air Fryer Magic – It achieves a crispy, golden crust without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative.
• Easy to Prepare – No fancy techniques required. Just a simple coating process and straight into the air fryer.
• Perfect for Busy Nights – The total cook time is under 15 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable – You can swap out seasonings or use different types of cheese for variations.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe keeps things simple while ensuring bold flavors. Here’s what you need:

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless, and sliced into fillets. Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option.
• Mayonnaise – Helps the seasoning adhere while adding moisture.
  • Alternative: Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or sour cream for richness.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor and helps with crispiness.
  • Alternative: Pecorino Romano (for a saltier bite) or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Light and airy, they create a crispy texture.
  • Alternative: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Essential for flavor.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Alternative: Use a mix of your favorite dried herbs.
• Salt & Pepper – Enhances all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner fillets. This helps them cook evenly. If needed, gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to achieve uniform thickness.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will act as the “glue” to help the breadcrumbs and parmesan stick.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a separate shallow dish, combine grated parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Spread the mayonnaise mixture over each piece of chicken, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Then press the chicken into the parmesan-panko mixture until fully covered.

Step 4: Preheat and Cook

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Place the coated chicken fillets inside in a single layer.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of parmesan for an elegant touch.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell If Chicken is Cooked
  • Use a meat thermometer: The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
  • Cut into the thickest part: If the juices run clear and there’s no pink, it’s ready.
• Troubleshooting
  • Chicken isn’t crispy? Try cooking for an extra 1-2 minutes. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer.
  • Bread crumbs falling off? Press the coating firmly onto the chicken before air frying.
  • No air fryer? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Efficient Prep Tips
  • Pre-coat the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
  • Use pre-grated parmesan and pre-mixed seasoning to save time.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy parmesan chicken pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Classic Pairings
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
  • A fresh Caesar or garden salad
• Lighter Options
  • Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
  • Pair with a lemony arugula salad
• Storage & Leftovers
  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • Freezing: Freeze after cooking for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 6-8 minutes.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is proof that a simple dish can be both impressive and beginner-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping, or just want a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe delivers. Give it a try and let me know in the comments—did you add your own twist? What did you pair it with? I’d love to hear how it turned out!

FAQ About Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

More Relevant Recipes

• Chicken Chimichangas
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
• One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Print