Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown chicken coated with flavorful Panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, finished with marinara and melted mozzarella. It’s a delicious, healthier twist on the classic Italian dish, cooked quickly and conveniently in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally)
Breading
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Coating
- 2 large eggs
Toppings
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated, remaining)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Others
- Non-aerosol oil spray (for air fryer basket and chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure it’s at the right temperature for cooking the chicken evenly and to achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them horizontally through the middle creating four thin pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the breading adhere better.
- Prepare Eggs and Breading Mixture: Whisk the two eggs together in a shallow dish. In another large shallow dish, mix the Panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful breading.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat the chicken thoroughly in the Panko bread crumb mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well to the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Spray the air fryer basket with non-aerosol oil spray to prevent sticking. Spray both sides of the breaded chicken with oil spray as well, then place the pieces in the air fryer. Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until the coating is light golden.
- Add Toppings and Finish Cooking: Top each chicken piece with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh finish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken ensures quicker, more even cooking and helps the breading adhere better.
- Using non-aerosol oil spray helps avoid harmful chemicals and ensures even oil coverage.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- This recipe can be doubled easily if cooking in batches.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness but is optional.
