Description
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan offers a healthier, quicker twist on the classic Italian dish. With crispy, golden-brown chicken topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, this version is just as satisfying as the traditional one but with less oil and mess.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for coating)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture (combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper).
- Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each piece of chicken, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a couple of minutes, and serve with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before air frying.If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal for a gluten-free version.Top with fresh basil for added flavor.Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg