Indulge in a quick and flavorful meal with Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, enhanced by a tangy mayonnaise mixture, all cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces, resulting in four pieces total.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare the Coatings:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and minced garlic.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Spread a thin layer of the garlic mayonnaise mixture over both sides of each chicken piece.
- Dredge the mayonnaise-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, carefully flip the chicken pieces, spray the other side with olive oil, and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, and serve alongside your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips and Tricks
- Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
- Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Variations: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. To reduce calories, opt for light mayonnaise.
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