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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Perfection

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Perfection
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This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Perfection recipe features tender, breaded chicken breasts air fried to crispy golden perfection, topped with bubbly marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a healthier, fuss-free take on the classic Italian comfort food, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Olive oil spray

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes (to add a spicy kick)
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts (for gluten-free option)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (to fold into marinara for herb twist)
  • Provolone or fontina cheese (for cheesy upgrade)
  • Breaded eggplant slices (to replace chicken for vegetarian version)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch to ensure quick, uniform cooking and juicy results.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes – one with the beaten eggs, one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, and one empty plate to place the breaded chicken pieces on.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, shaking off any excess, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
  4. Air Fry the Chicken: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each cooked chicken breast, then top evenly with shredded mozzarella and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Return to the air fryer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns slightly golden.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Pound chicken evenly to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to keep crispiness.
  • Lightly spray chicken with olive oil before air frying to enhance crust browning without excess oil.
  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, chicken parmesan, quick dinner, easy recipe, Italian, crispy chicken, healthier fried chicken

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-perfection/