Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

I’ve always loved the idea of a crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan. But the thought of deep-frying chicken and heating up the kitchen always deterred me.

Those lazy Sunday afternoons, when the aroma of sizzling chicken parmesan filled the air? It was a classic, comforting dish that always hit the spot. 

But the cleanup? Let’s just say it wasn’t the most appealing part of the process.

Enter the air fryer, my kitchen’s newest hero. This little appliance has revolutionized the way I cook, and air fryer chicken parmesan is one of my favorite recipes.

It’s a healthier, faster, and cleaner way to indulge in this classic comfort food.

No more deep-frying or messy pans. You can achieve that same crispy, golden-brown crust without all the fuss with the air fryer. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal ready in no time.

So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe that leaves you some bonus rest / me time, give this air-fried chicken parmesan recipe a try.

It’s especially good if you are a comfort-seeking freak who wants to eat elite food with an easy-to-make process. It’s the perfect blend of flavor, convenience, and health.

Ingredients

1. Chicken Breasts

We will need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each weighing about 8 ounces. These are the canvas upon which we shall create our crispy, cheesy masterpiece.

I love how adding chicken makes any dish perfect, as it can easily be dressed up or down, and in this case, we’re giving it a gourmet treatment.

2. The Crunchy Coating

To achieve that perfect crispy coating, we’ve got a dream team of ingredients. First up, all-purpose flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. This is the base layer, providing a sturdy foundation for the breadcrumbs to cling to.

Next, we have the egg wash. This simple mixture of beaten eggs acts as a glue, binding the flour to the breadcrumb coating. It’s a classic technique that ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Finally, we have the breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. This is where the magic happens.

The breadcrumbs provide a light, airy crunch, while the grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory flavor. I love how this combination transforms a simple chicken breast into a culinary delight.

3. Saucy Touch

No chicken parmesan is complete without a tangy marinara sauce. I usually opt for my favorite store-bought brand, but you can certainly make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.

And of course, we can’t forget a generous sprinkling of reduced-fat mozzarella cheese will melt into a gooey, cheesy goodness. 

Recipe

The first time I tried this recipe was a year ago on a cold, December night. I was heartbroken to be saying goodbye to my best friend as she was getting married. To commemorate our friendship, we decided to whip up a delicious dinner. 

She chose air fryer chicken parmesan to challenge me and I took it upon myself to let her taste the loss of singlehood, and an amazing chef for a friend. We started by pounding two boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even thickness.

Then, I seasoned them with salt and pepper because she was mostly giggling.

Next, I created a bread station with three bowls: one for seasoned flour, one for beaten eggs, and the last for a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Each chicken breast was dipped in this assembly line, ensuring a crispy, flavorful coating.

I placed the breaded chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer and let it work its magic. It was a simple, hands-off process that yielded incredible results.

While the chicken cooked, I warmed up some marinara sauce and grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.

Once the chicken was crispy and golden brown, I topped it with the sauce and cheese, then returned it to the air fryer for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

As we savored the delicious air fryer chicken parmesan, we reminisced about our shared memories. It was a bittersweet moment, but the comforting taste of this dish made it a little easier.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Airfryer?

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to get the most out of my air fryer. One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started was overcrowding the basket. I thought I could fit everything in there, but it just led to soggy, undercooked food.

Now, I make sure to cook in batches if needed, ensuring that each piece gets the proper amount of air circulation for a perfectly crispy result.

Flipping halfway through the cooking process is another essential tip. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.

However, for smaller items like French fries or vegetables, I’ve found that simply shaking the basket a few times works just as well. It’s a little less hands-on, and it still yields delicious results.

Tips & Tricks

Tip # 1 – Even Chicken Breasts

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking. As my mother says, “a little extra effort in the beginning can lead to a much better final product.”

Tip # 2 – Quality of The Marinara

A high-quality marinara sauce can take your dish to the next level. Look for a sauce with plenty of flavor and a touch of sweetness. 

Tip # 3 – Airfryer Know-How

Set your air fryer to the appropriate temperature and time for optimal results. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

FAQs