Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Delight

crispy air fryer chicken parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy air fryer chicken parmesan recipe that delivers a crispy, juicy, and cheesy dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (about 120g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (about 150g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g), freshly grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (about 120ml)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 100g)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, for heat
  • Optional: Freshly cracked black pepper, added on top before serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, letting extra drip off. Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides well. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coat.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Return to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides or a simple salad.

Notes

Do not skip pounding the chicken for even cooking. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Pat chicken dry before breading to avoid sogginess. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Flip gently to keep the crust intact. For reheating leftovers, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Flour layer is essential for breading adhesion.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, quick dinner, air fryer recipes, cheesy chicken, healthy chicken parmesan