Making Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic Italian-American dish with less oil and mess. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make them thinner
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or add 1 tsp Italian seasoning to plain breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixed into the breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooking spray (olive oil or canola)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Three shallow dishes (for dredging)
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Set up your dredging station: one dish with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
2. Pre-Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray both sides of the breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray. This helps achieve a golden color and crisp texture.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 6 minutes.
3. Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Top each chicken breast with about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Check for Doneness:
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
5. Serve:
- Garnish the Chicken Parmesan with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot, ideally with a side of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a light salad.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan:
- Do Not Overcrowd: Allow space around each piece of chicken to ensure they get crispy all around.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.