Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, garnished with fresh basil for a delicious and healthier take on the classic Italian-American dish. The air frying method ensures a crispy exterior without deep frying, making it quick and easy for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast, boneless skinless
- ¼ Cup Shredded Parmesan
- 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 Egg, beaten
Toppings and Garnish
- 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 and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound each piece with the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin until thin and even in thickness.
- Set Up Breading Station: Mix the panko breadcrumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese on a plate. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each pounded chicken piece into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Arrange: Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and preheat it to 360 degrees F. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the basket without overcrowding, shaking off any excess crumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 6 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Add Toppings and Finish Cooking: Once the chicken is golden, spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Continue air frying for an additional 4 minutes or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken Parmesan to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For crispier coating, spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking oil before air frying.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, dried oregano or parsley can be used as alternative garnishes.
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with finely crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce the mozzarella cheese or use part-skim cheese.
- The oven method is a great alternative if you don’t have an air fryer, but air frying provides a crispier texture with less oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
