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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers a comforting and crispy dinner combining golden, crunchy breaded chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a healthier, less messy alternative to the classic fried version without sacrificing flavors. Perfect for weeknights, it’s family-friendly, fast, and easily customizable to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (panko or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure uniform cooking and juiciness.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for the flavorful coating.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off the excess, then into the egg, and finally press them into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, thick coating on all sides.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray both the chicken and the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place chicken breasts in the basket without overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a generous spoonful of marinara sauce on each chicken breast and top with mozzarella slices or shredded cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chicken with a spatula, garnish if desired, and serve hot for a delicious chicken parmesan experience.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Olive oil spray is key to achieving a crispy, golden crust without deep frying.
  • Check internal temperature to avoid overcooking and dryness.
  • Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting.
  • Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, crispy chicken, Italian chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken parmesan