Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 2 mins
Total Time 27 mins
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Courses: Dinner, Lunch
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch with minimal effort. Made with tender chicken breasts coated in creamy mayo and seasoned Parmesan breadcrumbs, it’s the ultimate quick and easy dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken Base
  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • For the Mayo Coating
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise full-fat preferred
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional, for extra tang
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • For the Parmesan Crust
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs panko recommended for extra crunch
  • 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
    Prepare the Chicken
  1. 1
    Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create even cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Make the Mayo Mixture
  3. 2
    In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This will serve as the adhesive for the crispy crust while keeping the chicken moist during air frying.
  4. Prepare the Crust
  5. 3
    In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, and olive oil. Mix well until evenly coated. The oil helps the crust get golden and crispy in the air fryer.
  6. Coat the Chicken
  7. 4
    Using a brush or spoon, evenly spread the mayo mixture on each chicken cutlet. Then press each piece into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, coating both sides thoroughly. Pat gently to ensure the crust adheres.
  8. Preheat the Air Fryer
  9. 5
    Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 390°F) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  10. Air Fry the Chicken
  11. 6
    Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Air fry at 200°C for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
  12. Rest and Serve
  13. 7
    Remove chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides like garlic green beans, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.

Freezing Tip: Freeze coated (uncooked) chicken on a baking tray for 1 hour, then store in freezer bags. Cook straight from frozen, adding 4–5 minutes to the air fryer time.

Variations:

  • Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter option.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
Keywords: quick dinner, crispy chicken, easy air fryer, kid-friendly, budget-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/air-fryer-parmesan-crusted-chicken-with-mayo-recipe/