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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers a crispy, cheesy Italian classic ready in under 30 minutes. Using an air fryer instead of traditional frying significantly reduces oil and calories, creating a healthier yet deliciously crunchy and melty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it pairs beautifully with various sides and features minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. This helps the meat cook through without drying out and ensures the breading crisps nicely.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Station: Place the all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper in one shallow dish. In a second dish, whisk eggs. In a third, combine panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, fully covering the chicken. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture so every inch is coated well.
  4. Preheat and Air Fry: Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the basket without overlapping and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Top generously with shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese and meld flavors.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Let your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan rest for a couple of minutes before serving to lock in juices, then enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are an even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even crisping.
  • Use a light olive oil spray to achieve a crispy, golden crust without deep frying.
  • Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Check doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F internally.

Nutrition

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