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To make a tasty Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese These ingredients create a crispy and cheesy dish you will love. You can add these to boost taste: - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for brightness - Extra cheese like provolone or fontina These extras can make your dish even more special. If you don't have some items, here are swaps: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Swap breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes for crunch. - Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan option. - Choose marinara sauce or any favorite pasta sauce. These substitutes will still give you a great result! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes. Preheating makes the chicken crispy and golden. In a medium bowl, mix the following: - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these ingredients well. This mix adds great flavor to the chicken. Next, take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them to 1/2 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg first. Then, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken for a good coating. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This ensures both sides cook well and reach 165°F (74°C). After cooking, carefully take the chicken out. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble nicely. Finally, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. If you like, garnish it with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Enjoy your tasty Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan! To get a great crispy coating, follow these tips: - Even Thickness: Pound your chicken to 1/2 inch. This helps cook the chicken evenly. - Dry the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is dry before breading. Moisture will make it soggy. - Press Firmly: When coating with breadcrumbs, press down firmly. This helps them stick better. - Use Oil: Lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking. This promotes crispiness. For juicy and safe chicken, follow these temperature guidelines: - Preheat Air Fryer: Set it to 380°F. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly. - Cook to 165°F: Always check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Halfway Flip: Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This ensures both sides are golden brown. Using an air fryer can be fun. Here are some best practices: - Avoid Overcrowding: Place chicken in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate well. - Check Manual: Each air fryer is different. Always check your specific model’s instructions. - Adjust Cooking Time: If your chicken breasts are thicker, cook them longer. Use your meat thermometer to check. - Experiment with Flavors: Try different spices in the breadcrumb mix for variety. Adjust to your taste! Pro Tips Even Thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking. Breadcrumbs Adherence: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they stick well during cooking. Cooking Oil: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking and enhance crispiness. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking for juicier meat and optimal flavor. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for more flavor. Instead of mozzarella, try provolone or gouda. Both melt well and add a unique taste. You can also mix cheeses. For a sharper flavor, add some cheddar or asiago. Want a crispy top? Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs before air frying. This gives a crunchy texture and extra taste. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Slice some zucchini or bell peppers. You can layer these on top of the chicken before the sauce and cheese. You can also make it a hearty meal with spinach or mushrooms. They cook fast in the air fryer and add nutrients. If you like, throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch. Need a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Italian-style ones. They work just as well and keep the crunch. If you’re dairy-free, swap the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives. Nutritional yeast can give that cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal mixed with water. This keeps the breading process intact for a tasty meal. To keep your leftover chicken parmesan fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again soon. To reheat your chicken parmesan, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the chicken crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may not stay as crunchy. If you want to freeze chicken parmesan, let it cool completely first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them fully before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. I recommend placing them in the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw faster, you can use the microwave on the defrost setting. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with pasta or a fresh garden salad. Garlic bread also makes a great addition. If you want a veggie side, try steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. It should be white and the juices should run clear. Yes, you can! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken in an oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and cheese in the last few minutes. To store leftover chicken parmesan, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. Air fryer chicken Parmesan is easy and fun to make. We covered main and optional ingredients, plus substitutes for flavor. The step-by-step guide took you through preheating to serving. Tips helped you achieve a crispy texture and perfect doneness. Variations let you customize for taste or diet. Lastly, I shared storage and reheating methods. I hope you feel ready to make this tasty dish soon! Enjoy every bite.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A deliciously crispy chicken dish topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, cooked in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes.
  • Prepare the Coating: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
  • Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
  • Bread the Chicken: Dip each pounded chicken breast into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  • Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil and place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer.
  • Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until both sides are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove chicken from the air fryer, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Melt the Cheese: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Pair with a side of pasta or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, crispy, Italian, parmesan