Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe combines classic Italian flavors like marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers a crispy, juicy chicken crust with gooey melted cheese and tangy sauce, making it a perfect quick and family-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup high-quality marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. For extra coating hold, you may dredge the chicken lightly in flour (optional).
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl until smooth. In another bowl, combine Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly and thoroughly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the chicken crisps up immediately when placed inside.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the breaded chicken breasts with olive oil spray. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the finished Chicken Parmesan from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use uniform chicken breasts by pounding them evenly to promote consistent cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; arrange chicken in a single layer for even crisping.
- Spray liberally with olive oil for a golden and crunchy crust without deep frying.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg