Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and delicious dish perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner. The crispy, golden crust made from seasoned Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese adds a delightful crunch, while the garlic mayo keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup seasoned Panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Cut the chicken breasts in half to make four thin breasts. Place one thin breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound into a thin, even piece with a meat tenderizer. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mayo In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and minced garlic. Spread the garlic mayo all over the chicken breasts. This mixture keeps the chicken juicy and adds a wonderful flavor.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Place a chicken breast into the bread crumbs and press down. Flip and coat the other side. Repeat with the remaining chicken to ensure each piece is well-coated.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. (Avoid using PAM, as it can damage some baskets.) Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serve Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and added flavor.

Additional Information:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Varies by serving size
Servings: 4

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• With Sides: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. This provides a balanced meal with a variety of flavors and textures.
• Over Pasta: Place the chicken on top of your favorite pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce for a delicious Italian-inspired dish.
• In Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and use it to make sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light spread of mayonnaise or aioli.
• As a Salad Topper: Cut the chicken into strips and use it to top a Caesar salad or any mixed greens for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
• With Dips: Serve with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes to regain its crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: Reheat frozen chicken directly in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy texture.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken with these serving ideas and storage tips to keep it fresh and delicious!

Variations:

1. Italian Herb Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning to the Panko breadcrumb mixture for a flavorful twist.
2. Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or paprika into the breadcrumb mixture for a kick of heat.
3. Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the garlic mayo mixture and sprinkle lemon juice over the chicken before breading.
4. Herbed Parmesan Chicken: Mix 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or thyme) into the breadcrumb mixture for added freshness.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.
6. Cheddar Crusted Chicken: Replace Parmesan cheese with shredded cheddar cheese in the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy variation.
7. Asian-Inspired Chicken: Use soy sauce and minced ginger in place of garlic in the mayo mixture, and add sesame seeds to the breadcrumb mixture for an Asian twist.
8. Ranch Parmesan Chicken: Mix 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix into the breadcrumb mixture for a tangy ranch-flavored chicken.
9. Pesto Parmesan Chicken: Spread a thin layer of store-bought or homemade pesto over the chicken breasts before coating with breadcrumbs for a burst of basil flavor.
10. Bacon Wrapped Parmesan Chicken: Wrap each chicken breast with thin slices of bacon before air frying for a savory and indulgent variation.

Experiment with these variations to customize your Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken and enjoy a variety of delicious flavors!

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is crispy.

2. Do I need to flip the chicken during cooking in the air fryer? Yes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning and crispy texture on both sides.

3. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise? Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and aids in adhering the breadcrumb mixture. You can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or a mixture of olive oil and Dijon mustard for a similar effect.

4. How do I prevent the breadcrumb crust from falling off? Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated with the breadcrumb mixture and press it gently onto the chicken. Preheating the air fryer and spraying the basket with olive oil helps as well.

5. What should I serve with Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken? This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, pasta, salads, or even on a sandwich or wrap. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the dish.

6. Can I make this recipe in a traditional oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

7. How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy? Using mayonnaise or a similar spread (like yogurt or mustard) helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out.

8. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko breadcrumbs? Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. The texture may be slightly different.

9. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. The crust should be golden brown and crispy.

10. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before cooking. This can help save time during meal preparation.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a perfect blend of crispy and juicy, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious flavors and delightful crunch in every bite!