Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for spraying)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with a little salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg, letting the excess drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with a little more olive oil and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Once the chicken is cooked, spoon 2–3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella.
- Air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer, garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired), and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Spray the chicken with oil before cooking to get that crispy, golden crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for the crunchiest coating.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F).
DON’T:
- Overcrowd the air fryer basket! Give each chicken breast enough space to cook evenly.
- Skip the flip halfway through. It helps the chicken cook evenly on both sides.
- Forget to let the chicken rest for a minute or two before serving—it helps keep the juices inside.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a spicy twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Parmesan: Mix some grated garlic and extra Parmesan into the breadcrumb mixture for even more flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a game-changer. You get all the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional chicken parm, but without the heavy oil and long cooking time. It’s quick, easy, and simply delicious! 🍽️🧀🍗
