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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

crispy air fryer chicken parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer chicken parmesan recipe that delivers a crispy, golden crust with juicy chicken inside, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100 g), preferably Japanese-style
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (240 ml)
  • 4 oz shredded or sliced fresh mozzarella cheese (115 g)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. (5 minutes)
  2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. (5 minutes)
  3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Place on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to help the coating adhere. (10 minutes)
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. (3 minutes)
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes until crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (15 minutes)
  6. Spoon about ¼ cup marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 380°F until cheese melts and bubbles. (4 minutes)
  7. Remove chicken carefully, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot. (2 minutes)

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. For low-carb, replace panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Preheat the air fryer to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the basket. Spray coating lightly with oil for better browning. Add sauce and cheese at the end to keep crust crispy. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, quick dinner, air fryer recipes, chicken breast recipe