Description
Enjoy a delicious and guilt-free version of classic Chicken Parmesan made effortlessly in the air fryer. This recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with savory marinara and melted mozzarella cheese, all without the heavy oil and fuss of traditional frying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless)
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
Toppings and Finishing
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil spray (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for cooking the chicken evenly and creating a crispy crust.
- Prepare Breading Station: Whisk the eggs in one bowl. In another bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This mixture will coat the chicken for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs to moisten, then press into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until fully coated. This double step ensures the breading sticks well during cooking.
- Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with olive oil spray to help the coating crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without excess oil.
- Cook Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each cooked chicken breast, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese to melt.
- Finish Cooking: Return the topped chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This final step melds the flavors and finishes the dish perfectly.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the air fryer basket or use parchment paper designed for air fryers.
- Using fresh grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- This recipe can be doubled but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
