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- 2 chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Olive oil spray for coating You need an air fryer for this recipe. A shallow bowl is good for mixing. Use another bowl for the beaten egg. Make sure you have a cooking thermometer to check the chicken's doneness. A spatula will help you flip the chicken safely. When picking chicken, look for fresh breasts. They should have no dark spots or strong smells. Choose whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier option. Check that your Parmesan cheese is freshly grated for the best taste. Fresh herbs make a big difference too! Use good quality marinara sauce for a rich flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take two chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Aim for about half an inch thick. This step ensures juicy chicken that is not dry. Once pounded, season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This adds flavor right from the start. Next, get two shallow bowls ready. In one bowl, beat one large egg until smooth. In the other bowl, mix one cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. If you like heat, add a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything well. Now, take each chicken breast. First, dip it in the beaten egg. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mix. Press down to make sure the coating sticks well. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to stop sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispness. Cook the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C). While the chicken cooks, warm up one cup of marinara sauce in a small pot. Once the chicken is done, take it out and place it on a plate. Spoon the warm marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over it. Return the chicken to the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. This melts the cheese and makes it bubbly. Carefully take it out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious chicken Parmesan! To get that crunchy layer, start with dry chicken. Pat the chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthy twist. Mix in Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for flavor. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. This ensures a thick, even coating. Finally, a light spray of olive oil before cooking adds to the crispiness. Cook your chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip each piece halfway through the time. This helps both sides cook evenly. Always check the internal temperature. You want it to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. The coating should be golden brown and crunchy when done. I love to serve this chicken with warm marinara sauce on top. The sauce adds moisture and flavor. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on the chicken and pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes. This melts the cheese nicely. Pair with al dente spaghetti or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For extra color, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Your family will love this hearty dish! Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. They tend to be more tender and juicy. Perfect Breadcrumb Coating: For an extra crunch, consider adding crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs to your breadcrumb mixture. Timing is Key: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to achieve an even crisp on the chicken. This step is crucial for that perfect golden-brown finish. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices and enhances the overall flavor. {{image_4}} If you want some heat, try adding more red pepper flakes. I recommend using 1/2 teaspoon instead of 1/4 teaspoon. This simple change gives your chicken a nice kick. You can also add some hot sauce to the beaten egg for extra spice. This adds flavor without changing the texture. Serve with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping. You will love the warm, zesty flavors! Cheese can change your dish’s flavor. While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, you can try others too. For a stronger taste, use provolone or gouda. If you want a lighter option, try using feta or goat cheese. Both will add a unique twist to your chicken. Remember to shred or crumble the cheese for even melting. This will make your meal even more delicious! Using whole wheat breadcrumbs is a healthy choice. They add more fiber and nutrients. However, traditional breadcrumbs give a different texture and taste. If you want a crunchier coating, use traditional breadcrumbs. You can also mix them! Combine equal parts of both for the best of both worlds. This way, you keep it healthy while enjoying that crispy goodness. To keep your chicken parmesan fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat your chicken parmesan. For the best results, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the coating crispy. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just cover it to prevent drying out. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. To freeze, wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat using the air fryer or oven for the best texture. Yes, you can. You can bake the chicken in a regular oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat the chicken as you would for the air fryer. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You have many options! You can use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a simple olive oil and garlic mix. Each option gives a different taste. You can also use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce if you want a fresh twist. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, and the juices should run clear. If it’s pink, cook it longer. You learned to make a delicious air fryer chicken Parmesan. We covered key ingredients and cooking tools. I shared tips for choosing the best food and step-by-step instructions. With the right techniques, you can achieve a crispy coating and enjoy tasty variations. Always remember how to store your leftovers and reheat them. Cooking should be fun and easy! Now, you're ready to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Deliciously crispy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all made in the 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 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • as needed olive oil spray for coating

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready for a crisp finish.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg until it's smooth and well combined.
  • Take each chicken breast and dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating adheres evenly.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not overlap. Give the tops a light spray of olive oil for an extra crisp.
  • Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is beautifully golden and crispy.
  • While the chicken cooks, warm your marinara sauce in a small pot over low heat for a perfect topping.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place each piece on a serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of the warm marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted and is bubbling delightfully.
  • Once finished, carefully take the chicken out of the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

Serve with extra marinara sauce and fresh herbs for garnish.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, easy recipe, parmesan