Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Coated in a parmesan and panko crust, this dish delivers the crunch of fried chicken with a fraction of the oil. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into 4 fillets)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or parsley (for garnish)
For the Garlic Mayonnaise:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
For the Parmesan Coating:
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin fillets. Place them on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound gently with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the garlic mayonnaise evenly over each piece of chicken, ensuring both sides are well-coated. In a separate shallow dish, combine grated parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. Press each fillet into the parmesan mixture, coating both sides and pressing lightly so the coating adheres.
- Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then carefully flip using tongs and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley for extra freshness. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
- Make it ahead: Coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Alternative cooking method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, or pan-fry in oil over medium heat until golden.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 236 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 46mg