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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. You want the best flavor and texture. Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will cook evenly and stay juicy. Use one cup of breadcrumbs, Italian-style works best. They add a nice crunch. You will need half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor. Garlic powder, oregano, and basil add great taste. Use one teaspoon of each. Don't forget salt and pepper to season well. You will need one large egg, beaten, to help the breading stick. Marinara sauce, about one cup, adds moisture and depth. Lastly, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese gives that gooey top. Fresh basil leaves, if you like, make a pretty garnish. Make sure you have all these ingredients ready. This will help your cooking go smoothly. The fresh flavors will shine through in every bite. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to pound each breast to about half an inch thick. This step helps them cook evenly. It also keeps them juicy inside. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of breadcrumbs, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and one teaspoon of dried basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these dry ingredients well. Next, take one chicken breast. Dip it into one beaten egg. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they stick well. Repeat this for the second piece. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about five minutes. Once hot, lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place both breaded chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook them for ten minutes. Flip each piece halfway through. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, remove the chicken. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer for an extra three to five minutes. This melts the cheese and makes it bubbly. Carefully take out the chicken and let it rest for a couple of minutes. If you like, add fresh basil leaves for garnish. Enjoy your crispy chicken parmesan! To get that perfect crunch, use Italian-style breadcrumbs. They add flavor and help with texture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This step makes sure they stick well. A light spray of cooking oil also helps. It gives a nice golden finish. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches works best for crispiness. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This temperature cooks the chicken evenly. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. If you need more browning, add 3-5 more minutes after adding cheese. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Serve your chicken on a plate with extra marinara on the side. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a salad or garlic bread for a full meal. You can also serve it over pasta for a heartier dish. Enjoy your crispy chicken with family and friends! Pro Tips Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook uniformly, preventing dryness in thinner parts. Breadcrumb Adherence: Pressing the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken ensures a better crust that stays on during cooking. Cheese Melting: For perfectly melted cheese, cook for an additional few minutes after adding the marinara and mozzarella, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Resting Time: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes after air frying helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more flavorful meat. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this recipe for fun. Mozzarella is classic, but you can use provolone for a sharper taste. Fontina melts well and adds creaminess. You could even try a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor. Just remember to keep the total amount the same. While marinara sauce is a favorite, you can try different sauces. Pesto adds a fresh, herby taste. Alfredo sauce gives a rich and creamy flavor. You can even use a homemade tomato sauce to add your twist. Just pour it over the chicken and let it melt the cheese. Adding veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Thin slices of zucchini or eggplant can cook well alongside the chicken. You can also try spinach, or even bell peppers for crunch. Just make sure to cut them small so they cook evenly. Toss them in the air fryer for a tasty side. You can store leftover chicken Parmesan in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool first. Keeping it in a good container helps keep the flavors strong. To freeze chicken Parmesan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. Be sure to label the bag with the date. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you reheat it. To reheat chicken Parmesan, use the air fryer for crispiness. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You can also use the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Check that it is warm all the way through before serving. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Many brands offer tasty options that work well. Look for Italian-style gluten-free breadcrumbs for added flavor. Check labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. To get a crispier crust, follow these tips: - Use less egg: Coat the chicken lightly in egg. Excess can make the crust soggy. - Spray with oil: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before cooking. This helps it crisp up. - Avoid overcrowding: Give each piece space in the air fryer. This allows hot air to circulate. - Increase the temperature: If needed, raise the air fryer temperature by 10°F (5°C). Watch closely to avoid burning. You can serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Pasta: A classic choice. Serve with spaghetti or fettuccine. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Try a Caesar or mixed greens. - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up marinara sauce. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies balance the meal. Broccoli or asparagus work great. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! This post covered how to make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce. I shared step-by-step tips for preparing, coating, and cooking your chicken. To help you, I offered tricks for the perfect texture and serving ideas. You can also try different cheeses and sauces for fun variations. Finally, I included storage tips to keep your dish fresh. With all this, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Enjoy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A delicious and healthier version of chicken parmesan made in the air fryer, featuring crispy chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • optional fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
  • Take each chicken breast and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick) using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking.
  • Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off, and then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for a good adherence.
  • Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the basket.
  • Cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken and spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece. Top each with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Pound the chicken to ensure even cooking and adjust seasoning to taste.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, Italian, Parmesan