Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan – Easy, Delicious Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden piece of chicken, perfectly coated with a rich marinara sauce and topped with bubbling cheese. The Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is not just a dish; it’s an experience that can make even the toughest day melt away. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wondering what magic you’re conjuring up.

Now, let’s be real. I didn’t always know how to whip up this culinary delight. I remember the first time I tried to impress my in-laws with my cooking skills. They arrived, and I panicked, resorting to frozen pizza. Little did I know that this air fryer masterpiece would soon become my secret weapon for family dinners and gatherings. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a gathering of friends, this dish is bound to steal the show.

I’ll never forget the time my sister-in-law took one bite and exclaimed, “This chicken tastes better than my favorite restaurant!” That was the moment I knew I had mastered something special.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 pieces; they cook evenly in the air fryer and soak up all the flavors.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp on these basics; they bring out the best in your chicken.

• Italian Breadcrumbs: Get seasoned ones for extra flavor; they create that delightful crunch you crave.

• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated if possible; it melts beautifully and adds depth to your dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Opt for a quality sauce or homemade; it’s where much of the flavor comes from!

• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella gives you that gooey texture we all love on top of our chicken.

• Olive Oil Spray: A light mist keeps everything moist while ensuring that crunchy finish we’re after.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Let’s dive into making this glorious dish step by step.

Prepare Your Chicken: First things first—pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Bread the Chicken: Set up an assembly line with three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs mixed with a splash of water, and finally one filled with Italian breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs.

Air Fry Those Beauties!: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Spray both sides of each breaded chicken breast lightly with olive oil spray before placing them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Add Marinara and Cheese: Carefully open the air fryer basket—trust me; you’ll want to breathe in that heavenly aroma! Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece of chicken and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Close the basket again and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Serve It Up!: Once done cooking, remove your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan from the basket carefully—it’s hot! Serve immediately over spaghetti or alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy every bite as you relish not only great flavors but also memories created around this dish!

In conclusion, mastering Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan doesn’t just elevate your home cooking game; it creates opportunities for laughter-filled dinner tables and joyful memories shared over delicious bites of crispy goodness. So preheat that air fryer and get ready to impress yourself—and anyone lucky enough to join you at dinner tonight!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts, then coat them in breadcrumbs. Air fry until golden, while warming marinara sauce on the stove. Add cheese on top for the final minutes to make it deliciously melty.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch. You can add herbs like basil or oregano to the chicken for an aromatic twist. Top with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Cooking this dish reminds me of the time my friends devoured it within minutes at my dinner party, leaving me just one sad piece!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, just increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through.

What type of breadcrumbs works best?

Panko breadcrumbs deliver a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all sauces are gluten-free as well.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, where crispy chicken meets luscious marinara and gooey cheese. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, offering a satisfying crunch and comforting flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast first into flour, then into eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil spray before placing them in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve immediately over spaghetti or alongside a fresh salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg