Description
A crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring tender pounded chicken breasts coated with parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, finished with fresh basil garnish. A quick and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 lb Chicken Breast, boneless skinless
- ¼ cup Shredded Parmesan
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 Eggs, beaten
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ cup Marinara Sauce
- ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil and preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F to ensure an even cooking temperature.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound each piece to an even thin thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Set Up Breading Station: On a plate, combine panko breadcrumbs and shredded parmesan. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure golden crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Once cooked and golden, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Continue cooking for an additional 4 minutes until the cheese melts and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken to an even thickness about ½ inch thick.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165 degrees F for safety.
- Using aluminum foil in the air fryer basket helps with easy cleanup but ensure it does not block air circulation.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, follow the oven method by baking at 400°F and broiling to melt cheese.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
