Mayonnaise parmesan crusted chicken air fryer or Ninja Foodi is a crispy quick way to make this with breasts for dinner. With Panko breadcrumbs you can create a crunchy coating to this high protein meal. If you loved our air fryer frozen chicken, this is the best way to cook it from fresh fillets.
Mayonnaise chicken made as an air fryer recipe comes out way better than baked in the oven. In under 15 minutes you can create a fast dinner, or let your teens enjoy this as an after school snack. Packed with flavor and a cheesy crust this will quickly become a family favorite dish. (affiliate links present)
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayo
If you cannot have mayo, this is How to Bread Chicken Without Eggs at all. There are a number of different options so everyone in your home can enjoy this. I would say that plain Greek yogurt is my favorite alternative but we list others there too.
If you want to add some more kick to the outside, make our Mexican Mayonnaise first, and use that!! With a bit of lime and seasoned salt, you can even add a bit of heat into the mix with red pepper flakes if you like. Go with what you love……
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If you love extra crispy food and quick recipes, here are some resources to start with:
- My Favorite models are this Cosori or for a dual machine, the Foodi.
- You can find more Ninja Foodi recipes here as well; bookmark them both!
- It is best practice to put food into a hot basket. this is how to preheat air fryer first.
- Here’s a printable free air fryer cooking time chart here for your fridge.
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
If you have only made Air Fryer Chicken Tenders No Breading, this is a fun way to add just a little pizazz but without a ton of gunk on the outside. Add as little or as much mayo and cheese as you like, or just a light brush.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts large, sliced in half so you get a thinner piece of chicken
- you can use several smaller Chicken Tenderloins to coat
- sliced in half so they are thinner is best
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- Panko bread crumbs
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Mayonnaise
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
Regular or Sriracha mayonnaise can be used. The latter of course is spicy but you can adjust that to however much you want, or use just a touch to add flavor. I like to use a bit of olive oil spray inside the air fryer basket so it doesn’t stick. I do suggest you flip the chicken halfway thru to get the perfect texture on the outside.
Can you make this dairy free? You could, there are lactose free options of cheese out there of all kinds I have found, Daiya is a great brand out there. You could skip that part entirely as well and just use the breadcrumbs and mayo with seasonings. Parmesan does have a very low amount of lactose compared to other cheeses though so keep that in mind.
Another idea is to use about half of that and fill the rest of the coating with crushed nuts like we do with our Almond Crusted Chicken!
Ninja Foodi Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- In a bowl stir together breadcrumbs, parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In another bowl mix together mayonnaise and minced garlic.
- Rinse fillets and lay on paper towels to absorb the moisture on the outside.
- Brush mayo on the outside of each piece and dip into Panko mixture so it sticks nicely.
- Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes first.
- Spray inside with olive oil and lay coated pieces inside.
- Air fry for 6-7 minutes cooking time on each side until middle is no longer pink
- Juices should run clear and chicken is cooked when inside reaches an internal temperature of 165 F in the thickest part.
Remember when you are testing the temp that you lift it out of the hot basket first to get a really accurate read. This whole air fryer chicken dinner will take about 30 minutes with preheating and prep, cook time and all. Many times we will pair this with a salad or our Parmesan Crusted Brussel Sprouts are just to die for together. You can print recipe at the bottom to keep it handy or just come back again and again!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Hellmans
Hellmans and Best Foods are the same company actually. The name just varies depending on where you live, typically this one is found in the Southern states. They taste the same, Miracle Whip does though. The difference in this one is that it has a vinegar like ting to it that you either love or dislike a lot. That one works too though if you prefer that style.
Yes, mayonnaise can help keep chicken moist when used as a coating or marinade. Mayo is made from eggs and oil, which provide moisture and fat to the chicken, helping to lock in juices during cooking.
If you have only had air fryer frozen chicken tenders and stopped at that you are in for a real treat with these that are homemade. Adjust the seasonings as you wish to get the right combination for your family but just a light amount is really all you need.
Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Mayonnaise
If you would rather bake these you can. I would follow these steps as far as coating the outsides. Then bake Chicken Breast in Oven 350 instead. You can use bone-in but boneless is faster, easier to eat, and you won’t loose a lot of your toppings removing the bones to enjoy this.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 2 bowls or plates
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, large, sliced in half so they are thinner is best or you can use chicken tenders to coat
- 5 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 3/4 c Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 c parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl stir together breadcrumbs, parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In another bowl mix together mayonnaise and minced garlic. Rinse fillets and lay on paper towels to absorb the moisture on the outside.
- Brush mayo on the outside of each piece and dip into Panko mixture so it sticks nicely.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 degrees. Spray inside with olive oil and lay coated pieces inside.
- Air fry for 6-7 minutes on each side until middle is no longer pink, juices are clear, and reach 165 F in the thickest part.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.