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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Chicken Parmesan, Crispy Chicken, Italian Dinner, Quick Recipe, Healthy Fried Chicken