Description
A crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring tender chicken breasts coated with Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This healthier version uses an air fryer to get the perfect golden crust quickly and easily, garnished with fresh basil for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Coating
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
Toppings & Garnish
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- a handful of fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with the flat side of a meat mallet or rolling pin until thin.
- Set up Coating Stations: On one plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Coat Chicken: Dunk each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess crumbs.
- Cook Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through using tongs, until golden and cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a layer of marinara sauce over each chicken piece, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Melt Cheese: Continue cooking in the air fryer for an additional 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken Parmesan to a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Use fresh basil or substitute with dried oregano or parsley for garnish.
- Air frying time may vary based on the air fryer model; adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
- Can be baked using the oven method described for a crispy alternative.
- Ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
