Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Parmesan: A Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite
Craving the crispy, cheesy goodness of Chicken Parmesan but looking for a healthier, quicker option? Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Parmesan is the answer! This version delivers all the classic flavors of the beloved Italian dish but with a fraction of the oil, thanks to the air fryer. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for that perfect, gooey finish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping, this air fryer recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Parmesan: The air fryer makes this dish not only quicker to prepare but also lighter, giving you that crispy texture without deep-frying. The chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and then air-fried to golden perfection. Topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, this crispy chicken parmesan comes out perfectly cooked and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, you’ll cut down on calories and mess!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Parmesan:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray (for spraying the chicken)
- For Topping:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are not already thin, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Set Up the Dredging Station:
- In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, coating both sides, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Repeat with the second chicken breast.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, so it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Top with Marinara and Cheese:
- Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, open the air fryer and spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce onto each chicken breast. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve the Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Parmesan over spaghetti, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or with a side salad for a complete meal.Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Why This Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Parmesan is Perfect: This dish gives you all the indulgent flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan but with a healthier twist. The air fryer makes the chicken crispy and golden without the need for deep-frying, making it a lighter alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s also a super quick and easy way to make a classic comfort food dish without a lot of mess or time in the kitchen.
Customization Tips:
- Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella or even sprinkle some Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Baking Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or making a special dinner for guests, Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Parmesan is perfect for any occasion. It’s a lighter, faster, and healthier way to enjoy this classic dish without compromising on flavor. Plus, with the air fryer, cleanup is a breeze!Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta