Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken breast coated with a garlic mayo spread and a crunchy Parmesan panko crust. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners. The air fryer delivers a golden brown, crispy texture without the need for heavy oil, making it a lighter yet indulgent meal option.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Coating and Flavoring
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For Cooking and Garnish
- Olive oil spray (for air fryer basket)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat. This ensures the chicken will cook evenly and get crispy.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thinner pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat tenderizer until evenly thin. This helps the chicken cook quickly and uniformly.
- Mix Garlic Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and minced garlic thoroughly. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the chicken while helping the coating adhere.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the garlic mayo mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast piece.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Press each mayo-coated chicken piece firmly into the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides well to form a thick crust.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and help the crust crisp up. Avoid using PAM as it can damage the basket’s coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 8 minutes at 390°F, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve warm. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.
- Use plastic wrap when pounding chicken to keep the kitchen clean and chicken moist.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the model of air fryer used.
- For an extra crispy crust, lightly spray the coated chicken with olive oil before air frying.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American