Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe is a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken breasts are pounded thin, coated in a parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture, air-fried to golden perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Garnished with fresh basil, this dish is a quick, healthier version that's perfect for a family dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless
- 2 eggs, beaten
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- a handful of fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with the flat side of a meat mallet or rolling pin until thin and even.
- Set up coating stations: In one plate, combine panko breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each pounded chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess crumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer: Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and preheat to 360 degrees F.
- Air fry the chicken: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through with tongs, until golden and cooked through.
- Add toppings and finish cooking: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce on top of each chicken piece, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Continue cooking in the air fryer for an additional 4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken parmesan to a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to add a fragrant and colorful touch.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil with sauce and cheese for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
- Cook chicken in batches in the air fryer to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Make sure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
