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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Crispy and Juicy

Close-up of a crispy air fryer chicken parmesan topped with melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and dried herbs.
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Make a healthier version of classic Chicken Parmesan using your air fryer. This recipe delivers a crispy coating and juicy chicken breast in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (or 1 teaspoon oil for brushing)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Whisk the egg in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides completely.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  5. Place the breaded cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 8 minutes. Flip the cutlets carefully. Air fry for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer. Top each cutlet with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce and a layer of mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese.
  8. Return the chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve immediately over pasta or with a side salad.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly brush the breaded cutlets with a small amount of oil instead of using cooking spray.
  • If you do not have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, use plain breadcrumbs and add 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil to the mix.
  • This recipe works well with chicken tenderloins, but adjust the cooking time slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-crispy-juicy/