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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you need a few simple items. Start with four chicken breasts. Make sure they are boneless and skinless. This makes cooking easier and cleaner. Next, gather your breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nice touch. For flavor, you need Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices make your chicken taste great. You will also need one large egg to help the crumbs stick. Don’t forget the marinara sauce! You can use store-bought or make your own. Finally, grab some shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey topping. Fresh basil leaves will add a pretty finish. Gather all these ingredients, and you are ready to create a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Start by getting your air fryer ready. Turn it on and set it to 380°F. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly. While it heats, take a paper towel and dry each chicken breast. This will help the breading stick better later. - Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Add in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed. This mixture adds great flavor and texture to your chicken. - Prepare the egg wash. - Dip chicken in egg wash and coat with breadcrumb mixture. In another bowl, crack one large egg and beat it until mixed well. Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg wash. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick. This creates a nice crust when cooked. - Arrange chicken in the air fryer basket. - Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and add marinara and mozzarella. - Finish cooking and check internal temperature. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer. Make sure they don't overlap. Cook for 10 minutes. After this, carefully flip each piece over. Spoon marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on each. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your meal is both safe and tasty. To get your chicken perfect, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat and juicy. For crispy breading, use dry chicken. Pat the breasts with paper towels before breading. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. This helps the coating stick better during cooking. Every air fryer is a bit different. You may need to adjust the cooking time. For thinner chicken breasts, cook for 10-12 minutes. If your breasts are thicker, aim for 15 minutes. Always flip the chicken halfway through cooking. Check it often to avoid overcooking and dryness. Pair your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies. Pasta with olive oil and garlic also works well. To garnish, use fresh basil leaves for color and taste. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can add a nice touch too. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh basil and high-quality marinara sauce. Fresh ingredients can significantly elevate the dish. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Ensure the chicken breasts are in a single layer without overlapping. This allows for even cooking and crisping. Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the breadcrumb mixture with other spices or herbs you enjoy, such as paprika or crushed red pepper for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese to mix things up. Try provolone for a rich taste. Or, use gouda for a smoky flavor. Feta adds a tangy twist that brightens the dish. Any cheese you love can work well. Just remember to shred or crumble it for easy melting. If you need gluten-free, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond flour also works great as a substitute. You can even crush cornflakes for a crunchy topping. Make sure all your other ingredients are gluten-free too. Check the marinara sauce label or make your own. Spicing up your breading can add a fun kick. Try adding paprika for heat or oregano for more herb flavor. You could even mix in some crushed red pepper for a spicy touch. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also add a fresh taste. Experiment with what you like! To keep your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan fresh, follow these simple steps. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped chicken in an airtight container. You can also use a freezer bag. If you have marinara sauce left, store it separately. This helps keep the chicken crispy. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Reheating is easy and quick. You can use the air fryer or the oven. If you choose the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Check that it's warm throughout. For the oven, set it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for 15-20 minutes. This method works well for keeping the cheese melted. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan has a good shelf life. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Just remember to use airtight containers. Label them with the date. This way, you can enjoy your tasty chicken later without worrying about freshness. It takes about 15 to 17 minutes to cook Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer. First, cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Then, flip it and add sauce and cheese. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you need to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for best results. This helps the breading stick and cook evenly. Marinara sauce is the classic choice for Chicken Parmesan. It gives a rich taste that pairs well with the chicken. You can use homemade or store-bought marinara. Look for a sauce with fresh ingredients and good flavor. Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan without marinara sauce. You can try using pesto or a white sauce instead. This adds a different flavor while keeping the dish delicious. Experiment with what you like best! Yes, Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is often healthier than traditional versions. Cooking in an air fryer uses less oil, which cuts calories. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs and less cheese also helps. You still get the great taste with fewer unhealthy fats. This blog post covered how to make delicious Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. We explored ingredients, including chicken, breadcrumbs, and cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare and cook the dish. Perfect chicken is within your reach. With the tips and variations provided, you can customize it to fit your taste. Don't forget the importance of proper storage and reheating methods to maintain flavor. Enjoy your cooking!

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A delicious and healthier version of the classic chicken parmesan made in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). While it's heating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  • In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • In another shallow bowl, beat the egg until well mixed.
  • Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
  • Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over.
  • After flipping, spoon some marinara sauce over each piece of chicken and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, healthy, Parmesan