Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a quick and delicious meal that brings comfort food to your table without the extra oil and mess of traditional frying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Using an air fryer makes this dish healthier, while maintaining that crunchy, cheesy goodness we all love!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly drizzle or brush the chicken with olive oil to help the coating stick.
- Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Pair with pasta, a salad, or vegetables.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
You can serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan on a bed of pasta, with a side salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also delightful on its own, topped with extra marinara and fresh herbs.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheat, use the air fryer or oven to maintain the crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breast in Italian dressing before breading.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken breast; thinner breasts will need less time.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture or trying different cheeses like provolone or gouda. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but they will need to be fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
A: You can use Alfredo sauce or a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
A quick and delicious air fryer version of Chicken Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights without the mess of frying.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly drizzle or brush the chicken with olive oil to help the coating stick.
- Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breast in Italian dressing before breading. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or try different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg