Description
Crispy air fryer chicken parmesan delivers Italian-inspired comfort on your dinner plate. Golden breaded chicken meets melted cheese, creating a quick, satisfying meal packed with flavor for hungry families seeking delicious weeknight simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Gently massage chicken breasts with salt and pepper, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
- Arrange three shallow vessels: one containing flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third filled with a fragrant blend of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Carefully transfer each chicken piece through the dredging stations, first coating in flour, then dipping in egg, and finally encrusting with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Prepare the air fryer by setting the temperature to 375°F and lightly misting the basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the coated chicken into the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not overlap.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then delicately flip each piece to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
- Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken achieves a golden-brown exterior and reaches safe internal temperature.
- Generously spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then crown with a layer of melting mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cheese to become gloriously molten and slightly bubbling.
- Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves across the top, creating a vibrant and aromatic garnish.
- Serve immediately, presenting a crispy, cheesy masterpiece straight from the air fryer.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden coating that sticks perfectly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy chicken every time.
- For gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising texture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra kick and personalization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg