If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to make crispy, juicy chicken, you’ve come to the right place! This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo recipe is a game-changer. It delivers a golden, crunchy exterior with a tender and juicy interior—all thanks to the magic of mayonnaise and parmesan cheese.

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, making it easier to achieve deep-fried crispiness with minimal oil. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. Plus, it’s packed with protein and can be customized to suit different tastes.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from ingredients and step-by-step preparation to expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Crispy Yet Juicy: The air fryer ensures a crispy crust without drying out the chicken.
✔ Flavor-Packed: Parmesan cheese, spices, and mayo create a rich, savory taste.
✔ Super Easy: Minimal prep and hands-free cooking.
✔ Healthier Alternative: Uses less oil than traditional frying.
✔ Customizable: Easily adaptable with different seasonings and coatings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples but delivers restaurant-quality results. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 smaller fillets)
½ cup mayonnaise (adds moisture and helps the coating adhere)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best for maximum flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika (adds color and a slight smokiness)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional but recommended)

Optional Garnishes & Sides:

Chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Marinara sauce for dipping
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they’re too thick to ensure even cooking.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better.

Step 2: Make the Coating

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
In a separate shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Using a spoon or spatula, spread a generous layer of the mayo-parmesan mixture over each piece of chicken.
Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken, ensuring an even, crunchy layer.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper.
Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken

⭐ Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-packaged grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Freshly grated parmesan melts better.

⭐ Don’t Skip the Mayo: It locks in moisture and helps the coating stick better. If you’re not a fan of mayo, Greek yogurt is a good substitute.

⭐ Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even airflow and crispy results.

⭐ Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. Overcooking can dry it out.

⭐ Add a Kick: If you like spice, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Variations & Substitutions

🔸 Keto-Friendly Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds instead.

🔸 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.

🔸 Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Add shredded mozzarella on top for a melty, cheesy crust.

🔸 Spicy Buffalo Twist: Mix a tablespoon of buffalo sauce into the mayo before coating.

🔸 Herb-Infused Upgrade: Add finely chopped fresh basil or parsley to the breadcrumb mix.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo with:

🥗 Salads: A simple Caesar salad or arugula with balsamic vinaigrette.
🥦 Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or air-fried zucchini.
🍝 Pasta: Serve with garlic butter noodles or spaghetti marinara.
🥔 Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
🍞 Bread: Garlic bread or dinner rolls make a great addition.

For a low-carb meal, pair it with cauliflower rice or a fresh coleslaw.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? No problem!

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended, as it can make the coating soggy.

Freezing:

You can freeze the coated (but uncooked) chicken for up to 3 months.
When ready to cook, air fry from frozen at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo is a must-try for any home cook looking for an easy yet delicious dinner. It’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, all while being healthier than deep-fried alternatives.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course, slicing it for sandwiches, or adding it to salads, this dish is a winner every time. Try it today and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, air-fried chicken!