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This air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is big on flavor and will be ready in less than 15 minutes.
Air Fryer Chicken Dinner
This is an absolutely fantastic air fryer dinner. It has all the hallmarks of classic home-style comfort food, and all the convenience of the new cooking appliance craze: the air fryer. With this recipe, in only twenty minutes you’ll be serving crispy, tasty, coated chicken fillets. Curious? Read on!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Air Fryer
One thing that’s really cool about this recipe is that the air fryer makes it so crispy and tender. Of course, you can get similar results in an oven, but not with this level of convenience, and not without using way more oil. In the air fryer, we use less oil and it takes less time.
We’ll also be using mayonnaise to secure the seasoning on the chicken during the cooking process. Making dinner like this at home is a great way to have restaurant-quality meals at a lower price, and you don’t even have to leave the house!
You’ll Need
You will need two chicken breasts cut horizontally to make 4 fillets, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, mayo, garlic and seasoning of your choice.
How To Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- First, you’ll want to gently rinse your chicken and pat it dry with a paper towel. This is to help mayonnaise to stick to the chicken.
- Next, mix the mayonnaise with garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and salt. Divide the mixture between four fillets and coat on both sides.
- In a shallow dish combine your panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Then, pat down your panko crumbs onto the chicken. While you’re doing this you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to about 390 degrees, lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil, and cook your chicken for 5-6 minutes before turning over and returning to the fryer for 4-6 minutes.
- Use an instant read meat thermometer to check if your chicken is done. Overcooked chicken will be dry and rubbery, while undercooked chicken is pink in the middle and can make you very, very sick. Using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked all the way through isn’t just convenient, it’s better for you! That’s why they do in the best restaurants, as well.
Air Fryer Chicken FAQs
Strictly speaking, you don’t have to flip it in order for the chicken to cook through. However, unflipped chicken won’t have the crispy sear all over that you get from flipping it. It only takes a couple of seconds to do and it makes your dinner even better, so why wouldn’t you flip the chicken
This will vary based on how many people you’re feeding and the volume of your air fryer. It’s more important that all the pieces are about the same size so they cook evenly and in a similar amount of time. Thinner pieces will cook faster than thick ones, so bear that in mind.
Parmesan cheese is a big deal to a lot of Italian people. The ones from Parma, from which the style of cheese originates, take it even more seriously. Parmesan cheese should be soft and crumbly, with a distinctive odor and taste. It goes really well with a lot of different foods, and is known for how well it pairs with both savory and sweet flavor.
If you don’t have parmesan available, a similar crumbly white cheese will do well. You could use pecorino, which has a similar taste except it’s a little saltier. Softer cheeses are no good for this recipe as they melt at a lower temperature and lack the crumbly grated texture we need for a good chicken coating. Most of the harder milk cheeses from Italy or similar countries will do grea
For seasoning, simple is often better.
If you just have regular breadcrumbs, you can make your own Italian-style seasoning with a few pantry staples. Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder are a great place to start.
More Air Fryer Dinner Ideas
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! We will be happy to hear from you!
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or parsley leaves, to garnish
The Garlic Mayounnaise
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- salt, to taste
The Parmesan Coating
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F | 199°C.
- Slice 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 fillets.
- Place the chicken on the cutting board, cover with plastic and pound into an even piece with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer.
- In a small bowl mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and salt. Divide the mixture between fillets and spread all over the chicken.
- Mix together 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Dredge each fillet in the parmesan mixture, pressing lightly into the coating with the tongs. Then turn and repeat. Shake off excess coating.
- Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. After 5-6 minutes of cooking, remove the basket and carefully flip over the chicken, using tongs.
- Garnish with 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or parsley leaves. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I have commented on this recipe before.I make enough & plan on freezing itso my husband & I can enjoy this another night.That doesn’t work,we enjoy it so much,we have the leftover the following night.Have you ever made this in a larger batch? Did it freeze well? Your way to reheat ??
Hi Holly! Thank you again for your lovely comment! It seriously made my day 😊 I love that you and your husband enjoy it so much that it barely makes it to the freezer!
About freezing it—yes, you can freeze this chicken even with the mayo and breadcrumb coating. I recommend cooking the chicken first, letting it cool completely, then freezing it in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps keep the coating from getting soggy or sticking together.
When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the air fryer at 350°F for about 6–8 minutes, or until it’s heated through and crispy again. The oven works too (375°F for 10–15 minutes), but I find the air fryer gives it that just-made crunch!
I made this today and took to my neighbors plus some for me. It is delicious. I made a double batch.
I am saving some to add marinara on the chicken and served over pasta with extra sauce.
Sprinkle on some extra cheese and basil leaves.
Delish!!
Hi Debbie! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe and even shared it with your neighbors — that’s the best compliment! I love how you gave it your own twist with marinara and pasta. Sounds like such a comforting and flavorful meal. Thanks so much for your feedback! 😊
Delicious but I wish the coating would stay on better….
Hi Kim! I’m so glad you enjoyed the flavor! For a crispier coating that sticks better, try pressing the Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken and giving it a light spray of oil before air frying. Thanks so much for the feedback — really appreciate you trying the recipe! 😊
Thank you for the recipe 👍
Hi Alice! Thank you so much for your kind comment! 😊 I’m glad you liked the recipe.
2nd time cooking these. Delicious.
Thank you, Victoria! 😊 I’m so happy you made them again — that’s the best kind of compliment. So glad you’re enjoying the recipe!
This was amazing!! Quick to make and so delish! I will definitely make this regularly! Thank you for sharing!😋
Thank you so much, Tanya! 😊 I’m so glad you loved it! It really is such a quick and easy recipe, right? Happy to hear it’s going into your regular rotation! 💛
Very good
Thank you Barb!
Just received an air fryer for Christmas. First recipe I tried and it was fantastic. Crispy juicy and tender!! Can’t wait to try more of your air fryer recipes. Thanks!!!
I needed something quick and easy tonight, and I had this recipe saved. It was easy and very quick, and oh my stars delicious! A big hit!
Hi Lisa! This makes me so happy to hear 😊 I love when a recipe comes through on a busy night. So glad it worked out so well for you and everyone enjoyed it—thanks for sharing!