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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A quick and crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts breaded with Italian-seasoned crumbs, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This healthier version uses an air fryer to achieve a golden, crunchy crust without deep frying, perfect for a fast and delicious Italian-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/2 inch thickness

Breading

  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with added herbs)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 large eggs, whisked

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 3/4 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese

Additional

  • Olive oil spray
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh basil or chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures uniform cooking, prevents dryness, and provides a sturdy base for the coating.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Whisk the eggs in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. This setup allows for easy dipping and coating.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs adhere firmly, ensuring a crispy crust once air fried.
  4. Preheat and Arrange in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer, avoiding overlap for even crisping.
  5. Air Fry Until Golden: Cook the chicken for approximately 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating should be golden and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Add Marinara and Cheese Topping: Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella. Return the chicken to the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to keep the chicken crispy.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and taste.
  • Lightly spray olive oil to achieve a golden crust without excessive grease.
  • Allow the chicken to rest before serving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer, Chicken Parmesan, Crispy Chicken, Italian Dinner, Quick Recipe, Healthy Fried Chicken