This crispy air fryer parmesan chicken is a tasty twist on a classic! Coated in a yummy mixture of mayo and parmesan, it’s packed with flavor and super crunchy.
I love how quickly it cooks in the air fryer—no more waiting forever for dinner! Plus, who doesn’t love an easy clean-up? It’s a win-win on busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, but chicken thighs will be juicier if you prefer. You could also use turkey breasts for a different flavor.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo gives the best flavor and coating. However, if you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt to cut calories while still getting a creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan is ideal for a flavorful crust, but pre-grated cheese works fine in a pinch. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, use nutritional yeast, which gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted, but they may not provide the same crunch. If gluten-free is your goal, look for gluten-free panko or crushed rice cakes.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The secret to achieving that delightful crispy coating lies in a few steps. First, make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning. Use a paper towel to pat it dry. This helps the mayo stick better.
- Coat the chicken generously in the mayo mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered—this adds flavor and keeps the meat moist.
- Dredge in the Parmesan and panko mixture while pressing it on gently. This helps the coating adhere well during cooking.
- Finally, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; air needs to circulate around the chicken for it to get crispy.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after air frying to keep all those juices inside. Happy cooking!
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (about 4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for best coating)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Total time needed is around 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy.
2. Prepare the Mayo Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, mix the mayonnaise with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will give the chicken a nice flavor and help the coating stick.
3. Combine Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. This will be the crunchy coating for your chicken!
4. Prep the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the coating sticks better and gives a crispier texture.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Generously coat each piece of chicken in the mayo mixture, making sure to cover all sides well. Then, dredge the mayo-coated chicken in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently so it adheres nicely.
6. Spray the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
7. Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer. If you’re cooking in batches, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices locked in and makes the chicken extra delicious!
Enjoy your deliciously crispy parmesan-coated chicken with that creamy mayo base!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time if they are thicker than breasts, ensuring they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’d like a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute; it adds creaminess with fewer calories. You can also use avocado or sour cream for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain the crispy coating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice cakes in place of regular panko, and ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
