Chicken Parmesan tonight in the Air Fryer

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.

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