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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A fast and delicious Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan featuring crispy chicken with gooey cheese and flavorful marinara sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 56 oz each)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2–3/4 inch) for more even cooking.
  4. Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer, making sure they do not touch or overlap. Work in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, and continue to air fry for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden and crisp.
  7. While the chicken cooks, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  8. When the chicken is done, carefully remove the basket. Spoon some marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden in spots.
  10. Transfer the chicken to plates, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, parmesan, air fryer, quick meals, Italian