This crispy air fryer Parmesan chicken is a game changer! Coated in a tasty mayo and Parmesan mix, it comes out crunchy outside and juicy inside—perfect for a quick dinner.
Honestly, who knew mayo could make chicken this good? I love having it with a fresh salad or just on its own. It’s so easy, even I can’t mess it up! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also use chicken thighs; they’re naturally juicier and more flavorful.
Mayonnaise: Mayo is the secret to achieving a moist coating. If you’re avoiding eggs or dairy, try using a vegan mayo or plain yogurt instead; both will work great.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese gives a better flavor and texture than pre-grated. You can substitute with pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan version that still packs a punch!
Panko breadcrumbs: These provide extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be as crispy. You could also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Crispy Coating?
To get that delicious crispy crust, follow these steps closely:
- Make sure to coat the chicken well with the mayo mixture first; this helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan-panko mixture firmly; this ensures the breading adheres nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each piece room to cook evenly and become crispy. A single layer is best.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking allows both sides to get that lovely golden brown color.
Following these tips will help you achieve a crunchy coating that elevates your chicken dish!
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken With Mayo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs), cut into strips or pounded thin
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or a little oil for air fryer basket
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to cook. That’s just about 30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Preheating gets the air fryer ready to give your chicken that crispy goodness right from the start.
2. Prepare the Mayo Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This flavorful mayo will help keep your chicken moist while adding a tasty kick!
3. Make the Coating:
In another bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs together. This is going to be the crunchy coating that makes your chicken irresistible!
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it in the mayonnaise mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing lightly to help the crumbs stick. The more coating, the crunchier it gets!
5. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil. This step prevents sticking and helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
6. Arrange the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. If needed, cook in batches so all chicken pieces can cook evenly.
7. Cook the Chicken:
Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure they become golden brown and crispy all around. Use a meat thermometer to check that they 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 a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle, keeping your chicken moist.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy Parmesan chicken warm. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. Pair it with a salad or your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your crispy, juicy Parmesan chicken with the irresistible flavor boost of mayo! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they tend to be more juicy and flavorful. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for the best results in this recipe.
What if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as crispy. Alternatively, consider using crushed cornflakes for a fun crunchy twist!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko and make sure the mayonnaise is gluten-free. It will be just as tasty!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again to regain that crispy texture—just cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
