Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. It’s quick to prepare and uses the air fryer to achieve a perfectly golden crust without deep frying. Ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together easily.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting each in half widthwise to create 4 thin pieces. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until blended. In a third shallow bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: One piece at a time, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the panko mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
- Step 4: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook at 400°F, turning once, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Top each piece with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella, then cook for about 3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken Parmesan garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the panko mixture.
- Use fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
- If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Try adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for a gourmet touch.
Storage
Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness, or warm in a microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before butterflying and breading to get the best results.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then add marinara and cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier and quicker twist on the classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken breasts are breaded with a flavorful panko and Parmesan mix, air fried to crispy perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and uses the air fryer for a crispy, less oily result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting in half horizontally to create four thin pieces. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Set Up Coating Stations: Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season it with a large pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Beat the eggs in a second shallow bowl until blended. In a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
- Coat the Chicken: One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere on both sides.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 minutes at 400°F until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer to plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a crispy coating.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispness.
- Use homemade marinara for a fresher taste or choose your favorite store-bought brand.
- For spicier flavor, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Air Fryer Recipes, Italian Chicken, Crispy Chicken
