Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 24 ounce chicken cutlets or well-pounded chicken breasts; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, whisked; ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs; ⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs; 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided; ¾ cup tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce; Olive oil or canola oil cooking spray; Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley, chopped basil, grated parmesan, red pepper flakes; Pasta, optional

You know those evenings when time just slips away? Yesterday was one of those nights, and I needed something quick, yet comforting. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan came to the rescue! It's the perfect dish that feels like a special treat but can be whipped up in under half an hour. Alex loves helping me press the chicken into the breadcrumbs. If you’ve ever thought a homemade meal has to be a time-consuming ordeal, this dish will make you think again. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that minimizes cleanup? If you're a fan of Italian flavors, check out our Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Why you’ll love this recipe

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a gem for busy nights. It's kid-approved, and using the air fryer means less grease and calories without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors. Whether you're cooking for your family or a cozy dinner for two, this dish is bound to become a weeknight staple. It satisfies all the cravings for a cheesy, comforting dinner without the hassle.

Ingredients

24 ounce chicken cutlets or well-pounded chicken breasts
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked
⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs
⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs
1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
¾ cup tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce
Olive oil or canola oil cooking spray
Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley, chopped basil, grated parmesan, red pepper flakes
Pasta, optional

Step-by-step instructions

Remove any fat and pound the chicken to an even thickness if needed.
Pat the chicken dry and lay on a plate. Salt and pepper the chicken pieces (optional).
Prepare the flour and egg by placing them separately in large, shallow bowls.
In another bowl, mix together the Panko bread crumbs and the Italian bread crumbs.
Preheat the air fryer at 380 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip in the egg mixture. Let the excess egg drip off each piece.
Press each piece gently into the panko mixture, until fully coated.
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with a thin coat of olive oil or canola oil spray.
Cook for about 7-8 minutes, then flip and spray with cooking oil again. Cook for another 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees.
Top each piece of chicken to the edges with spaghetti sauce.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken.
Put back in the air fryer and cook until the cheese is melted, 2 or 3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, grated parmesan, and additional red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm over pasta, if desired.

Recipe tips & variations

For a little crunch, try adding some grated parmesan to the breadcrumb mix. Love spicy food? Toss in some red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. If you're out of Panko, regular breadcrumbs work too. And if you're not in the mood for pasta, serve this with a crisp green salad for a lighter option.

Storage & reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain its crispy texture. You could also warm it in the oven, but with the air fryer, it's just so simple and quick!

FAQs

How do I keep Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan crispy after adding the sauce and cheese?
After applying the sauce and cheese, quickly return the chicken to the air fryer and cook just until the cheese melts. This method keeps it crispy without becoming soggy.

Do I need to pound the chicken breasts before making Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, pounding the chicken helps cook it evenly and keeps it juicy.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Definitely! While Panko gives an extra crunch, regular breadcrumbs will still work wonderfully.

How long should I cook Chicken Parmesan in the air fryer to reach a safe internal temperature?
Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes around 14-16 minutes total cook time.

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