Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan in 25 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water; ½ cup flour; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan has transformed my weeknight dinners into something truly special. This recipe offers a delightful, crispy experience with a golden-brown breaded chicken cutlet, topped generously with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it’s also quick and healthful, thanks to the air fryer method. In just 25 minutes, you can indulge in this classic Italian dish without the guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe is not just another dinner idea; it’s a game changer! Here are six reasons why this recipe stands out:

Quick preparation and cooking time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy twist on a classic dish, using less oil than traditional frying.
Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Great for meal prep and serves well for family dinners.
Customizable for dietary needs, including gluten-free and low-carb options.

This recipe is also an excellent example of the Italian cuisine, making it a delightful addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Gather these items:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 egg + 1 tablespoon water
½ cup flour
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Step-by-Step

Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure better breading adhesion. Season both sides with salt and pepper evenly.
Step 2: Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to form the egg wash. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Coat each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press both sides of the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture to achieve an even coating.
Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer inside the basket. Spray generously with non-stick cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through at 5 minutes and spraying the other side with cooking spray.
Step 5: After the initial 10 minutes, spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the air fryer carefully. Serve hot alongside cooked pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Reduce oil usage while delivering all the classic flavors of traditional chicken parmesan.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
To spice it up, add more red pepper flakes or even some cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

There are many delicious ways to enjoy your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan:

Serve it over a bed of pasta for a classic dish.
Pair it with a side salad for a lighter meal option.
Try it with garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce.

It’s a delightful dinner option that can impress your family and friends!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan in 25 Minutes - Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

To store any leftovers, place the chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes to maintain that crispy texture. This method is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick, reheatable meal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?

The secret lies in properly breading the chicken and ensuring the air fryer is preheated. Use Panko breadcrumbs for that extra crispy texture, and don’t skip the marinara sauce and cheese topping for a classic flavor.

Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken cutlets ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just cook them in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve, adding the marinara and cheese towards the end of cooking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?

Common mistakes include not preheating the air fryer and overcrowding the basket. Ensure that the chicken pieces have enough space between them to cook evenly and achieve a crispy finish.

Variations of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a low-carb option.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan with Spinach: Add fresh spinach on top of the cheese before the final cooking step for added nutrition.
Quick Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Use pre-cooked chicken cutlets to save time; just add the toppings and reheat.
Gluten-free Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to cater to dietary needs.

Explore these twists while enjoying the classic Italian flavors!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making chocolate oatmeal bars for dessert. If you’re interested in more Italian dishes, you might enjoy creamy tomato soup as a side!

For additional insights on the benefits of air frying, you can read more on Healthline.