My mom’s homemade chicken parmesan was a hit when I was young. It had a crispy, golden crust and juicy meat. Now, I make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo for myself.
This recipe is a healthier, easier version of chicken parmesan. It uses an air fryer and a mayo-based coating. It’s just as tasty as the original but easier to make.
Why Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Is My Go-To Dinner
I’m always looking for quick and tasty dinners for my family. That’s why I love my air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo. It’s crispy, flavorful, and healthy.
Benefits of Using Mayo as a Coating
Mayo is the secret to my chicken’s crispy coating. It makes the parmesan and breadcrumbs stick well. The mayo also adds a creamy touch that goes great with the cheese and herbs.
Why Air Frying Makes Perfect Chicken
Using an air fryer to cook the chicken is a big improvement over frying. It cooks the chicken evenly and makes it crispy without oil. This way, we get the taste of fried chicken but with less fat and calories.
This chicken is perfect with a salad, roasted veggies, or our favorite sides. It’s a hit with my family and me. It’s quick, easy, and healthier than takeout or greasy fried chicken. Plus, the kids love it too!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Parmesan Crust
Making the best air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo needs the right ingredients. I’ve tried many times to find the perfect mix for a crispy, tasty crust. Let’s look at what makes this dish so great.
The main ingredient is chicken breasts. I choose boneless, skinless chicken for its easy cooking and taste. It lets the parmesan crust be the star.
The mayonnaise is key. It makes the crust creamy and helps the parmesan stick to the chicken. Mayo also adds a rich taste that goes well with the savory flavors.
No parmesan crusted chicken is complete without freshly grated parmesan cheese. Use high-quality, finely grated parmesan for the best flavor and crunch. The parmesan adds a nutty taste and makes the crust crunchy.
To add more flavor, I mix in dried herbs and seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are my go-to. They add a savory depth to the dish.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make the perfect air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo. Get ready to amaze your family and friends with this delicious recipe!
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Getting ready for air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo is easy. It makes your chicken taste amazing. Here’s how to do it right.
Preparing the Chicken Breast
First, dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel. This makes the mayo-parmesan stick better. Remove any extra fat or skin for a healthier dish.
Creating the Mayo-Parmesan Mixture
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s smooth and spreadable. You can change how much mayo and parmesan you use to taste.
Coating Techniques for Best Results
- Coat the chicken breasts with the mayo-parmesan mix on all sides.
- Press the coated chicken into more parmesan cheese for a crunchy crust.
- Put the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they have space to cook evenly.
By following these steps, you’ll get crispy and tasty chicken. It will have a creamy mayo base that everyone will enjoy.
Air Fryer Temperature and Timing Settings
I love cooking at home and my air fryer is my favorite tool. Finding the right temperature and cooking time is crucial. It makes the chicken crispy outside and juicy inside.
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the chicken for 18-22 minutes. Flip it halfway through. This method works great for me, making delicious chicken every time.
But, the best settings can change based on your air fryer’s size and power. Smaller or more powerful ones might need less time. Bigger or less powerful ones might need more. Always watch your chicken and adjust the time to get it just right.
The chicken’s thickness also matters. Thinner chicken cooks faster, while thicker takes longer. Always check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F (74°C) before you take it out.
Tips for Achieving the Crispiest Chicken Exterior
Cooking juicy and crispy air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo is fun. But, to get it just right, you need to know a few secrets. These tips will help you make air fryer recipes that everyone will love.
Preventing Common Mistakes
One big mistake is putting too much chicken in the air fryer. This stops the air from getting around, making the chicken not crispy. So, put the chicken in a single layer, leaving space for air to move.
Ensuring Even Cooking
To get a crispy outside, cook the chicken evenly. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This makes the parmesan crust brown on all sides. You can also turn the air fryer basket to help heat spread out.
By following these tips, you’ll make perfect air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo every time. A little practice and paying attention to details will make this recipe a favorite in your kitchen.
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo | Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the coating:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Coat the chicken:
- Spread the mayo-Parmesan mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Press the coated chicken into seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring a uniform layer on all sides.
- Preheat and cook:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece for even cooking.
- Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is fun. I choose sides that are simple yet tasty. This way, the chicken gets the main attention.
A crisp salad is a great choice. Try a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a light dressing. It’s a refreshing contrast to the chicken.
For a heartier option, roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots are perfect. Add some garlic and lemon for extra flavor.
Want to try something new? Air fryer roasted potatoes or zucchini fries are great. They add a nice crunch to your meal.
If you want something richer, mashed or baked potatoes are perfect. Add sour cream, chives, and Parmesan for extra taste.
Remember, keep your sides simple. This lets the chicken be the star. With a few easy dishes, you’ll make a meal everyone will love.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Enjoying chicken breast recipes baked and air fryer recipes doesn’t have to stop. You can enjoy the crispy, tasty chicken for days. Just follow the right storage and reheating steps.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch for easy dinners. Let it cool, then store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Proper Storage Methods
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked and cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer-term storage, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, put the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 400°F (200°C). Heat until it’s hot and the crust is crispy again, about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy your chicken breast recipes baked or air fryer recipes!
| Storage Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Parmesan Crusted Chicken | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 months |
Variations and Flavor Adaptations
The air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo is tasty. But, you can make it even better. Just change a few ingredients to try new flavors. Let’s look at some fun ways to make your air fryer chicken even better.
Spice it Up
Want a little heat? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mayo-parmesan mix. It will make your chicken a bit spicy. This spice goes well with the crispy outside.
Herbal Explosion
Make it fresh with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. These herbs add a nice flavor. They mix well with the parmesan, making it very tasty.
Cheese Lover’s Delight
Try different cheeses like cheddar and parmesan or crumbled feta. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Cheese makes a big difference in taste.
Crispy Cornflake Crunch
Crush cornflakes and add them to the parmesan mix. It makes the chicken extra crispy. The cornflakes also add a sweet touch that everyone loves.
Be creative and follow your taste. A few changes can make this dish your own. Try new air fryer recipes and chicken breast dishes to keep dinner exciting.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
The Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is tasty and good for you. It’s perfect for many diets. Each serving has a mix of nutrients, making it a healthy dinner choice.
This dish is full of protein, with about 30 grams per serving. The chicken breast is a great protein source. The Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise add creaminess and healthy fats. Air frying makes it lower in fat than regular frying, which is good for your heart.
If you have dietary needs, this recipe can be changed to fit. It’s gluten-free by nature. You can swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free option if needed. It’s also great as a air fryer recipes dessert or air fryer recipes snacks, perfect for a main meal or a snack.
