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To make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg - 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) If you want to switch things up, here are some great alternatives: - Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. - Swap grated Parmesan with pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. - Try fresh herbs, like oregano or thyme, instead of Italian seasoning. - Use egg whites instead of a whole egg for a lighter option. - Choose low-sodium marinara sauce if you want less salt. This recipe serves 2 people. Here is the basic nutritional breakdown per serving: - Calories: Approximately 450 - Protein: 40g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 3g This dish packs a protein punch while keeping carbs moderate. You can enjoy a delicious meal that doesn't skimp on flavor or nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to flatten them. Aim for about one inch thick. This step helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the meat. You need two shallow bowls for breading. In the first bowl, beat one large egg. This egg will help the crumbs stick. In the second bowl, mix one cup of breadcrumbs, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. This mix gives the chicken a tasty crust. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Now, dip each chicken breast in the egg first. Make sure it gets fully coated. Then, place it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to stick the crumbs well. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for ten minutes, turning them halfway through. After ten minutes, take out the basket. Spoon about a quarter cup of marinara sauce on each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the basket to the air fryer. Cook for another five to seven minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. Finally, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan! To get that perfect crispy coating, start with dry chicken. Pat the chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better. Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Mix them with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This gives the coating great flavor. When breading, press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken. This seals in the taste. One common mistake is not preheating the air fryer. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly. Another mistake is overcrowding the basket. Place the chicken in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate. Lastly, don't skip the resting time. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy inside. For marinara sauce, a store-bought brand is easy and quick. Look for low-sugar options if you want a healthier choice. Homemade marinara is great too. It adds a personal touch. For cheese, mozzarella is a classic choice. You can also try provolone or fontina for a unique taste. Mixing cheeses can add depth to the flavor. Don't forget fresh basil for a pop of color and taste! Pro Tips Even Thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are flattened to an even thickness for uniform cooking and to prevent dryness. Breadcrumb Tips: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture or add herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for enhanced flavor. Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite. Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese types like provolone or a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. If you love a strong flavor, try using aged provolone. It melts well and adds a nice kick. Gouda is another great choice. It has a rich, creamy taste. For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella. This cheese still melts nicely but has less fat. Don’t be afraid to add veggies. Sliced mushrooms or spinach work well. You can also try bell peppers or zucchini. These toppings bring color and extra nutrients. For a bit of crunch, add some sliced olives or artichokes. They will enhance the flavor and make your meal more exciting. If you want a low-carb meal, skip the breadcrumbs. Instead, coat the chicken with crushed almonds or pork rinds. Both give a nice crunch without extra carbs. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just like regular ones. You can even use ground oats if you prefer. This keeps your dish tasty and friendly for different diets. After enjoying your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, let leftovers cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavors intact. When you want to reheat your chicken, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the coating crispy. You can also use the oven if you prefer. Just cover the chicken with foil to prevent drying. If you need to freeze your chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze for up to three months. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps it tender and flavorful. You should cook chicken breasts in the air fryer for about 10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. After that, add marinara sauce and cheese. Cook for an extra 5-7 minutes. The total time is around 15-17 minutes. This gives you juicy chicken with melted cheese. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Check with a meat thermometer. Thawing the chicken first gives better results but using frozen works too. You can serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with pasta or a fresh salad. Garlic bread also pairs well. For a healthy side, try steamed veggies or roasted zucchini. These options make a great meal with the chicken. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures! This blog post walked you through making Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. You learned about the ingredients needed and their alternatives. I gave you step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to get a crispy finish. We explored tasty variations and how to store your leftovers properly. Try these tips and enjoy your meal! Cooking can be fun and simple. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A delicious and healthier version of the classic Chicken Parmesan made in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • In one shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  • Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten egg, ensuring it's well coated. Then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to each side.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • After 10 minutes, carefully remove the basket. Spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
  • Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Carefully remove the chicken from the basket. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, healthy, parmesan