Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Perfect
Enjoy perfectly cooked and crispy Chicken Parmesan without the guilt of deep frying. This air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in less time and with less oil. A quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Shallow dishes
- Plastic Wrap
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, add beaten eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Repeat for all chicken breasts.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
- Drizzle each chicken breast with a little olive oil.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and top each breast with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through for best results. For spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. You can substitute cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture adds a more vibrant flavor.