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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.3 from 2 reviews

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a quick, crispy, and delicious take on the classic Italian-American dish. Tender chicken breasts are breaded with a flavorful mix of panko, parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then air fried to golden perfection. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this meal is perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, served alongside your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 Chicken Breasts, sliced in half lengthwise (medium size)
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher Salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Breading

  • ⅓ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1¼ cups Panko Breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Topping and Sauce

  • 1¼ cups Marinara Sauce (store-bought or homemade, plus more if serving with pasta)
  • ½ cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Optional

  • Olive Oil for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, one with the whisked egg, and one with a mixture of 1¼ cups panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, coating thoroughly and shaking off excess. Next, dip in the egg mixture, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides well.
  5. Air Fry the Chicken: If desired, lightly drizzle or brush olive oil on the breaded chicken for extra crispness. Place the chicken pieces in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Depending on basket size, cook in one or two batches.
  6. Cook First Side: Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes, allowing the coating to set and crisp up.
  7. Flip and Cook Other Side: Carefully flip the chicken pieces and continue air frying for another 5 minutes until thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
  8. Add Toppings: Without removing the chicken, spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese on top.
  9. Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4 minutes at 375°F, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
  10. Serve: Carefully remove the chicken parmesan from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite pasta and extra marinara sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Drizzling olive oil on the chicken before air frying enhances the golden crisp texture but can be omitted for a lighter version.
  • Use medium-sized chicken breasts for even cooking; adjust times if using thicker or thinner pieces.
  • If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used but panko yields a lighter, crispier crust.
  • Leftover chicken parmesan can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for best texture.
  • Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.