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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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A quick and easy chicken parmesan recipe made in the air fryer, delivering a crispy crust and melty mozzarella without the mess of traditional frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (100g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
  • 6 oz (170g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about ½-inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
  2. Lightly season both sides of each breast with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in the third.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coating.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping.
  7. Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through at 5 minutes and spraying the other side with olive oil spray.
  8. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Top with slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.
  9. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  10. Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Transfer chicken to plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping. Use small-curd mozzarella for best melting. Warm marinara sauce slightly before adding to chicken. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones or almond flour. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, Italian, mozzarella, marinara, quick recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-recipe-perfect-for-easy-homemade-dinner/