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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, a delicious and easy weeknight meal, is shown as a golden-brown and cheesy featured image.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken parmesan using an air fryer. By carefully controlling moisture and using coarse breadcrumbs, it avoids sogginess and achieves a perfectly browned, melty result. The recipe involves air frying the breaded chicken and then broiling it with sauce and cheese for a classic taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs coarse texture preferred
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
  • 8 slices mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish optional
  • Pasta, for serving optional

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • 3 shallow dishes
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • paper towels
  • baking sheet
  • tongs
  • Meat Tenderizer or Rolling Pin
  • Small Metal Rack (optional)
  • Oven (for broiling)

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness.
  3. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
  5. Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
  6. Coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or place a metal rack in the basket and brush it with olive oil.
  9. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.
  10. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken.
  11. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken breasts.
  12. Continue to air fry for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  13. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a baking sheet.
  14. Top each chicken breast with 1/4 cup of marinara sauce and 2 slices of mozzarella cheese.
  15. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  16. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
  17. Serve immediately with the remaining marinara sauce and your favorite pasta.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, use coarse Italian breadcrumbs. Elevating the chicken on a metal rack in the air fryer helps prevent sogginess. Watch carefully while broiling to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results. You can substitute different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for the mozzarella.