Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is not only easy to make, it’s a delightful twist on a classic dish that your whole family will enjoy. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, a crispy coating, and a melty layer of cheese—all prepared quickly in your air fryer, filling your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving this dish again and again!
What Is Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a delightful take on the traditional Italian-American dish, where tender, breaded chicken breast is topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. The beauty of the air fryer is that it delivers that crispy goodness without the extra oil, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this dish provides a comforting meal that everyone can relish.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Full of Flavor: Juicy chicken, savory marinara, and melted cheese combine beautifully.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on what you have or your family’s preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Healthier Option: The air fryer reduces the need for excess oil while still giving you that crispy finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Quick Overview
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking oil
Directions
Prep the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
Season and Coat: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, coating well.
Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the coated chicken with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
Air Fry: Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Carefully flip the chicken, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Pasta: A side of spaghetti or linguine goes perfectly with the marinara sauce.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad adds a crisp contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Don’t forget some toasty garlic bread to scoop up that extra sauce!
- Steamed Vegetables: Brighten up your plate with some steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Wine Pairing: A light red wine, like Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate your dish’s flavor.
- Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Equipment Matters: Ensure your air fryer is preheated for the best results.
- Double the Recipe: Great for meal prep! This dish reheats wonderfully for lunches.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan! Place it in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.How spicy is this dish?
It’s relatively mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or spicy seasoning if you prefer more heat.Can I prep this ahead?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Crushed cornflakes or a blend of nuts and seeds can be a great alternative.How long varies with cooking time?
Thicker pieces of chicken may require a few additional minutes, so always check the internal temperature.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is about to become your go-to dinner recipe—it’s quick, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser. Not only is it easy to make, but it also brings the family together around the dinner table. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, coating well.
- Lightly spray the coated chicken with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Carefully flip the chicken, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!