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Plate of crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan garnished with herbs

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A warm, cheesy, and crunchy meal that offers golden breaded chicken, melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara without the mess of frying in oil. Perfect for weeknights and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts Pat dry and slice in half if thick.
  • 1 tsp salt For seasoning.
  • 1 tsp black pepper For seasoning.
Breading Station
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For dredging the chicken.
  • 2 large eggs Beaten, for dipping.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko is preferred for extra crunch.
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese Mixed into breadcrumbs.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Mix with breadcrumbs for flavor.
Toppings
  • 1 cup marinara sauce Warm before adding to chicken.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Sliced or shredded to top chicken.
Garnish (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil For serving.
  • 1/4 cup extra parmesan cheese For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice in half if they are thick. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan and Italian seasoning.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mix until well coated.
Cooking
  1. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray. Place the chicken in a single layer, without crowding.
  2. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken, spray the top lightly with oil, and cook for another 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  3. Spoon marinara over each piece of chicken, add a slice or sprinkle of mozzarella, and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serving
  1. Serve with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

To ensure even cooking, pound thick pieces to a uniform thickness. Firmly press breadcrumbs onto the chicken to keep the crust intact. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Preheating the air fryer for 2-3 minutes can help achieve a crispier result.