Description
This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor! A garlicky mayonnaise base and a Parmesan-panko crust make this a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total), sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or parsley leaves, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Mayonnaise:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
For the Parmesan Coating:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner fillets, resulting in a total of four fillets. Place the chicken fillets on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Pound the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
- Make Garlic Mayonnaise: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Mix well.
- Coat Chicken with Mayonnaise: Spread the garlic mayonnaise mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken fillet.
- Prepare Parmesan Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Mix well.
- Dredge Chicken: Dredge each mayonnaise-coated chicken fillet in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres. Shake off any excess coating.
- Air Fry: Place the coated chicken fillets in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken fillets halfway through the cooking time (after about 5-6 minutes) to ensure even browning.
- Garnish
- Serve
Notes
- Chicken: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook more evenly and quickly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier coating.
- Air Fryer: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Parmesan crusted chicken with a side salad, roasted vegetables, pasta, or your favorite dipping sauce.