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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner with Fresh Mozzarella

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This crispy air fryer chicken parmesan delivers a golden, crunchy crust with melty fresh mozzarella and tangy marinara, perfect for quick and comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese style preferred)
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch thick.
  2. Set out three shallow bowls: one with 1/2 cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and warm for about 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange coated chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping. Mist tops lightly with olive oil spray.
  6. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through at 5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  7. Spoon about 2 tablespoons marinara sauce onto each cooked chicken breast, then top with 2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella.
  8. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. If not, cook an extra minute or two.
  10. Remove chicken from air fryer, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese that melts well. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness. Add fresh mozzarella only after chicken is mostly cooked to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, fresh mozzarella, panko crust, Italian recipe, quick chicken parm

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-with-fresh-mozzarella/