Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier, quicker twist on the classic Italian favorite. Crispy, breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese come together effortlessly in an air fryer, delivering a delicious main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Parmesan Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast, boneless skinless
- ¼ Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- ½ Cup Marinara Sauce
- ½ Cup Mozzarella Cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking.
- Pound the Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half and place between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until the pieces are thin and even in thickness.
- Coat the Chicken: In one plate, mix panko breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Once the chicken is golden and nearly cooked through, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce atop each piece. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Continue air frying for an additional 4 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken parmesan to a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil before coating the chicken.
- The marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference and time availability.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- If you don't have an air fryer, the oven method provided in the recipe is an excellent alternative.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through safely to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
