Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a guilt-free twist on the classic Italian dish. Crispy breaded chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, then topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, delivering a flavorful and comforting meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, to taste
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature for crispy chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch, which helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Make Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful coating.
- Coat Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast, then thoroughly coat them in the breadcrumb mixture to form a crispy crust during cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure both sides brown evenly.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over the cooked chicken and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese has melted beautifully.
Notes
- Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to avoid undercooked or overcooked parts.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the breadcrumb-coated chicken lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt if preferred.
- Serve with a side of pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
