You’re going to love this — it’s one of the most popular and delicious air fryer meals for good reason. Crispy, cheesy, juicy chicken with minimal effort and clean-up.
Here’s my go-to recipe for Air Fryer Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken:
🍗 Air Fryer Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12–15 minutes | Serves: 2–4
Ingredients:
· 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 1 cup Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs (or plain panko + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
· ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
· Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping, chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep Chicken: If using chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets (or pound to even thickness, about ½-inch thick). Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Mix Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add “Glue”: In another bowl, mix mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assembly Line:
· Brush or spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise mixture over both sides of each chicken piece.
· Dredge the chicken in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly so crumbs stick well on all sides. - Air Fry:
· Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes if your model requires it.
· Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with oil (this helps it crisp).
· Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). - Add Cheese:
· Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over each piece of chicken.
· Return to the air fryer for 2–3 more minutes at 350°F (175°C) until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve: Let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, and a side salad, steamed veggies, or pasta.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken:
· Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed for the crispiest results.
· Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
· Make it keto/low-carb: Replace panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with Parmesan.
· Add flavor variations: Mix a little pesto into the mayo, or top with pepperoni after the cheese for a “Chicken Parmesan Pizza” version.
Serving Suggestions:
· Classic: Over spaghetti with marinara sauce (like a deconstructed Chicken Parmesan).
· Low-carb: With a side of zucchini noodles or a crisp green salad.
· Comfort food style: Alongside garlic bread and roasted broccoli.
Enjoy your cheesy, crispy, juicy chicken! Let me know if you’d like a specific dipping sauce recipe or a side dish idea to go with it.