Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

$- 2 chicken breasts, flattened to an even thickness - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 large egg - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray You can mix things up with tasty add-ins. Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You could also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. For a kick, try using spicy marinara sauce instead of regular. Choose fresh chicken breasts for the best taste. Look for firm, pink meat with no odor. Use high-quality breadcrumbs for a great crunch. Whole wheat adds a nice texture and flavor. For cheese, fresh Parmesan and mozzarella melt better. Check the labels for no additives or fillers. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. It helps cook the chicken evenly. A hot air fryer ensures a crispy coating. Next, we prepare the coating. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything combines well. In another bowl, whisk the egg until it's smooth. This will help the coating stick to the chicken. Now, it's time to cook the chicken. Dip each flattened chicken breast in the egg. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down to make sure it sticks well. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil too. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. While the chicken cooks, warm the marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the air fryer. Spoon some marinara sauce on top of each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Put the chicken back in the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes. This melts the cheese and makes it bubbly. Carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. To get chicken that is crispy, follow a few simple steps. First, use whole wheat breadcrumbs. They add texture and flavor. Second, coat the chicken well with the breadcrumb mix. Press it firmly to ensure it sticks. Finally, spray the tops lightly with olive oil before cooking. This extra touch helps to achieve that golden brown look and crispiness. One common mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating helps cook the chicken evenly. Another mistake is using too much egg. Dip the chicken in the egg, but let excess drip off. Too much egg can make the coating soggy. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook chicken in a single layer for the best results. Serve your chicken with warm marinara sauce on top. Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese for that melty goodness. Pair it with a side of spaghetti for a classic touch. A light salad with fresh greens also complements this dish well. For a colorful plate, add fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Use organic, free-range chicken breasts for better flavor and texture. Double Coating for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier texture, dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs a second time. Rest After Cooking: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. Customize Your Marinara: Enhance your marinara sauce with fresh herbs, a splash of red wine, or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese in this dish. Try using provolone for a rich flavor. Gouda adds a nice smokiness. For a bold taste, use sharp cheddar. Each cheese gives a new twist to this classic. While marinara is the go-to, you can switch it up. Pesto offers a fresh and herby flavor. Alfredo sauce gives a creamy touch. Try a spicy arrabbiata for a kick. Each sauce can change the whole vibe of your meal. Add veggies to make your meal more filling. Zucchini or bell peppers work great. You can also serve it with a light salad. Roasted broccoli or asparagus makes a healthy side. These options boost nutrition and add color to your plate. To keep leftover chicken Parmesan fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the sauce. This keeps the chicken crispy. If you want to freeze it, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. Chicken Parmesan can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use your air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. This helps retain the crispiness. If you prefer, you can also use an oven. Just warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy your meal fresh! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Just trim any excess fat. The cooking time may be slightly different. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Thighs give a richer flavor, making your dish even better! Preheating the air fryer is important. It helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures the breading gets that golden crunch you want. Don’t skip it for the best results! To make this recipe gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Many brands offer great options made from rice or nuts. Ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free. Always check the labels to be safe. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal without worries! In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients for your dish, from main items to optional add-ins. I shared steps for preparing and cooking the chicken to perfection. You learned tips to ensure crispiness and common mistakes to avoid. We explored tasty variations and discussed how to store leftovers properly. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. With the right tips, you can make a great meal every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A delicious and healthier take on chicken parmesan made in the air fryer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces chicken breasts, flattened to an even thickness
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 large egg
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
to taste salt and pepper
as needed olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk the egg.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure the coating adheres.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.
Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and spoon some marinara sauce on top of each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
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 before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a plate, drizzled with extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color. Pair with a side of spaghetti or a light salad for a complete meal.

Keyword air fryer, chicken, healthy, Parmesan