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Air fryer garlic parmesan chicken with no breading, healthy and flavorful dish.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A delightful dish of juicy chicken breasts, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 0.4lb/7oz) Tender and juicy, these chicken breasts form the perfect canvas for flavors.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated, reserve 1 tablespoon) Star ingredient adding a cheesy, nutty taste.
  • 1 Tablespoon Ranch Seasoning Brings a burst of flavor with its blend of herbs and spices.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder Infuses chicken with a delightful garlicky essence.
  • 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise (use full fat or light mayo) Adds moisture and helps spices adhere.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Adds subtle smokiness and richness.
  • Pinch to taste Salt and Black Pepper Essential for enhancing all flavors.
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (or as needed) Adds a touch of heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim off any unwanted fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a kitchen paper towel.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a spice blend.
Coating the Chicken
  1. Brush the smooth side of the chicken breasts with mayonnaise and sprinkle the seasoning mix over the mayo.
  2. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned chicken and gently pat it down.
Cooking
  1. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, seasoned side down, and repeat for the other side with mayo, seasoning, and Parmesan.
  2. Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 365°F (185°C) for 8-9 minutes.
  3. Flip the chicken and sprinkle the reserved seasoning mix and Parmesan cheese on top.
  4. Air fry for an additional 7-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until fully cooked through, with an internal thermometer registering 165°F (73°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the mayonnaise for moisture and flavor adherence. Adjust cayenne pepper for heat preference. Experiment with different cheeses and ensure to use fresh ingredients.