Description
Enjoy a lighter take on the classic Chicken Parmesan with this Air Fryer recipe that delivers all the flavor without the guilt. Perfectly crispy and topped with gooey cheese, it’s a delightful comfort food for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Onion powder (to taste)
- Dried oregano (to taste)
- Dried basil (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken until it's about 1/2-inch thick. Season both sides of the pounded chicken lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Grab three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place your all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk the two eggs until well combined. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix these breading ingredients thoroughly.
- Bread the Chicken: Take one seasoned chicken cutlet and dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, ensuring it's fully coated, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the Panko mixture, making sure it's completely covered on all sides. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere. Repeat with the remaining chicken cutlets.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While it's preheating, lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
- First Air Fryer Round: Place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with your oil spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and starting to crisp.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Once the chicken is golden, carefully remove the basket. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of warm marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet, spreading it evenly. Top generously with the part-skim mozzarella cheese and a final sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Second Air Fryer Round: Return the basket to the air fryer. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the Chicken Parmesan from the air fryer. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Don't overcrowd the basket for the best crispiness. Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs for a healthier option. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.