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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe


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4.4 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Spread the garlic mayo mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast piece.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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