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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Best Easy Recipe

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This crispy air fryer chicken parmesan is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers a shatter-crisp crust, perfectly melted cheese, and all the flavor of the classic dish without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g total)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (120g)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (120ml)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (120g)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm). Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up breading station: In three shallow bowls, place ½ cup all-purpose flour in the first, 2 beaten eggs with 1 tablespoon water in the second, and in the third mix 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
  3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place breaded chicken in a single layer without touching. Spray tops generously with olive oil spray.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Flip carefully, spray the other side with oil, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Add toppings: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan.
  7. Return to air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, shred your own mozzarella and add cheese at the very end of cooking to avoid sogginess. Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before air frying to help breading adhere. Do not crowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, weeknight dinner, air fryer recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-best-easy-recipe/