Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

RECIPE FOR CHICKEN PARMESAN IN AIR FRYER

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan offers a healthier and quicker alternative to the traditional fried version, delivering crispy, juicy chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Cooking spray
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
2. • Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner cutlets.
   • Place the cutlets between sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, approximately 1/2 inch.
   • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations:
3. • In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour.
   • In a second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
   • In a third bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
3. Coat the Chicken:
4. • Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Press the chicken into the panko mixture, covering it completely and pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
5. • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken:
6. • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
   • Place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
   • Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with cooking spray to enhance browning.
   • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese:
7. • After the initial cooking time, flip each chicken cutlet.
   • Top each piece with about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Melt the Cheese:
8. • Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve:
9. • Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
   • Serve immediately, perhaps alongside pasta, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.

Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan!