Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe
Introduction
The aroma of golden, crispy chicken wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug for your senses. This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo delivers a juicy, flavorful bite with a crunchy, cheesy crust that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Step 4: Spread mayonnaise generously over each chicken breast, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 5: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Step 6: Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip halfway through cooking for extra crunch.
Tips & Variations
- Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra herb flavor or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For a lighter coating, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper coating adherence.
Is mayonnaise necessary for the crust?
Mayonnaise helps the coating stick and adds moisture, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a light brush of olive oil if preferred.
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Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a deliciously crispy, flavorful chicken dish made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a cheesy, garlicky breadcrumb crust. The mayonnaise helps keep the chicken juicy while creating the perfect golden crust when cooked in the air fryer. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality crispiness without the excess oil.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Coating
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Binding
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken. This ensures it starts cooking immediately for a crisp crust.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly using paper towels to help the coating adhere better and to ensure even crisping.
- Mix the coating: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the freshly grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. This mixture creates the flavorful crust.
- Coat the chicken: Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise over each chicken breast. Then dredge each piece in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well to the mayo layer.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air circulation for even cooking and crisping.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dried oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray before placing the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken, Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Air Fryer Recipes

