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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo
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This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-frying. Featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated with a creamy mayo base and a crunchy, cheesy Parmesan crust, it cooks perfectly in an air fryer for a crispy, flavorful dinner under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating & Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Trim off any excess fat or tendons, then lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Coat chicken with mayo: Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise evenly over both sides of each chicken breast; this acts as the glue that holds the Parmesan crust and keeps the chicken moist while cooking.
  3. Mix the Parmesan crust: In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir together until all the seasonings are evenly dispersed.
  4. Press chicken into the Parmesan mixture: Firmly press each mayo-coated chicken breast into the Parmesan mixture until it’s fully covered with the cheesy crust. Make sure to coat both sides for balanced flavor and crunch.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and the crust gets golden and crispy.
  6. Air fry the chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray, then cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Even thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly without drying out.
  • Don’t skip mayo: The mayo keeps the chicken moist and helps the Parmesan stick perfectly.
  • Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps better than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Light olive oil spray: A quick spray helps achieve maximum crunch without excess oil or calories.
  • Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Healthy Fried Chicken, Mayo Crust Chicken, Gluten-Free Chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/air-fryer-parmesan-crusted-chicken-with-mayo/