This Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is a tasty treat that’s juicy inside and crunchy outside. The secret? A bit of mayo that keeps the chicken soft while it crisps up beautifully!
I love how quick and easy this recipe is. Just coat, air fry, and enjoy—dinner is ready in no time! Sometimes, I even make extra to snack on later. Who can resist that crunch? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: This recipe works best with chicken breasts, but you can use thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer due to their size and thickness.
Mayonnaise: The mayo acts as a great binder and keeps the chicken moist. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo can be excellent substitutes!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into a beautiful crust, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated cheese is fine. Nutritional yeast can also be a good dairy-free alternative for a cheesy flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, you can crush some cornflakes or use regular breadcrumbs, though the texture won’t be as airy.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture is all about the coating and cooking method. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken comes out wonderfully crunchy:
- Coating: Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with mayo, then really press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken to form a thick layer.
- Air Frying: Give the chicken a light spray of cooking oil before air frying. This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle and maintains crunchiness!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy Parmesan chicken every time!
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken with Mayo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total—5 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
2. Coat the Chicken:
In a large bowl, take the mayonnaise and spread it evenly on the chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is well-coated; the mayo will keep the chicken moist and help the breadcrumbs stick.
3. Prepare the Coating:
In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is combined well.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Dip each mayo-coated chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to press gently so that the coating sticks well. The thicker the coating, the crunchier the chicken will be!
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have too many pieces, it’s better to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil to help it turn golden brown.
6. Air Fry the Chicken:
Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Serve while hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Your Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken is ready to impress! Bon appétit! 🥳
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are great for this recipe, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a mayonnaise substitute. You could also use avocado or a dairy-free mayonnaise if you want a vegan alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, which will help restore some of the crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, just use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. The rest of the ingredients should already be gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be sure!
