Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts coated with a crispy parmesan-panko crust, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Prepared quickly in the air fryer, it offers a delicious, healthier twist on the classic Italian favorite with a golden crust and bubbling cheese, garnished with fresh basil.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- 2 eggs, beaten
Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and preheat it to 360 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even cooking.
- Pound Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half and place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until thin, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Prepare Breading Station: On a plate, mix the panko breadcrumbs and shredded parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, shaking off excess crumbs. Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Once golden and cooked through, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Melt Cheese: Continue cooking in the air fryer for an additional 4 minutes or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature of the chicken 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 comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs over regular breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have a meat mallet, use a rolling pin or bottom of a heavy pan to thin the chicken.
- You can substitute marinara with your favorite tomato sauce or homemade sauce for different flavors.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking.
- The oven method can be used if you don’t have an air fryer, adjusting cook times as instructed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
