Description
Crispy parmesan crusted chicken elevates weeknight dinner with golden, herb-infused breading that shatters delicately against juicy meat. Home cooks can quickly prepare this restaurant-quality dish using simple ingredients and an air fryer for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Seasoning and Garnish:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or parsley leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Configure the air fryer to 390°F (199°C), allowing it to heat thoroughly while preparing the chicken.
- Transform chicken breasts into thinner fillets by slicing horizontally and gently pounding them between plastic wrap to create uniform thickness.
- Craft a flavorful coating by blending mayonnaise with garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until well incorporated.
- Generously spread the seasoned mayonnaise mixture across each chicken fillet, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Create a crispy exterior by mixing panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
- Meticulously coat each fillet in the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crust adhere and completely cover the chicken.
- Carefully arrange the crusted fillets inside the air fryer basket, maintaining space between each piece for optimal circulation.
- Initiate cooking for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to promote uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent cooking.
- Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh oregano or parsley leaves.
- Serve immediately while the chicken remains crisp and warm.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: Slice and pound chicken breasts horizontally for uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking and tender results.
- Flavor Boost: Mix mayonnaise with garlic and seasonings to create a delicious, moisture-locking marinade that enhances chicken’s taste and juiciness.
- Crispy Coating Trick: Press parmesan and panko breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to create a crunchy, golden exterior that seals in moisture.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
- Flipping Technique: Rotate chicken halfway through cooking to achieve consistent golden-brown color and prevent uneven browning.
- Fresh Finish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like oregano or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 724mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 97mg