Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian-American dish by using an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden crust without deep frying. Tender chicken cutlets are seasoned, breaded with a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, air fried to perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy and delicious meal pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Coating:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Toppings & Cooking:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Thoroughly pat the pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Coatings: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until combined. In another shallow dish, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat it with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well on both sides.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to help achieve a crispy crust once the chicken is cooked.
- Air Fry Chicken: Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray a generous coat of non-stick cooking spray over the chicken. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through (around 5 minutes), and spray the other side to ensure even crisping.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: After the initial cooking, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken piece, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Carefully remove the chicken parmesan and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with cooked pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slicing the chicken into thinner cutlets helps it cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer.
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the coatings stick better.
- Use non-stick cooking spray generously to promote a golden crispy crust without deep frying.
- Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings; avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
