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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 large egg - 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Gathering these ingredients is key for a tasty Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan. The chicken breasts are the star. Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results. Whole wheat breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor. The seasonings create depth. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper work together. These flavors make each bite delightful. Don’t forget the egg! It helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Marinara sauce adds moisture and taste. I like using homemade sauce for a fresh touch, but store-bought works too. Finally, the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully. It creates a nice, gooey layer. Fresh basil on top brings color and freshness. With these ingredients, you can make a delicious meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step helps the chicken cook evenly. While it heats, take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken removes moisture. This helps the breading stick better. In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure to combine everything well. In a separate bowl, crack 1 large egg and whisk it until blended and a bit frothy. Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg wash. Make sure it is well-coated but let the excess drip back into the bowl. Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently so the crumbs stick well. Each piece needs an even coating for the best crunch. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken in a single layer. Do not overlap them. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. After that, use tongs to flip each piece. This helps them cook evenly on both sides. Once flipped, spoon some marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Be generous! Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. The cheese adds a nice melt and flavor. Return the chicken to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Enjoy the aroma and vibrant look! To get that perfect crunch, start by drying the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts with paper towels. This step helps the breading stick better. If the chicken is wet, the crumbs can become soggy. For even coating, use a shallow dish for the breadcrumbs. Mix the breadcrumbs with cheese and spices in this dish. Press down the chicken into the crumbs. This helps the crumbs cling well. Make sure every piece gets a fair coating. Cooking time can change depending on chicken thickness. Thinner breasts cook faster, while thicker ones need more time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. A meat thermometer is a great tool for checking doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C) for safety. This ensures your chicken is cooked just right. Pair your Chicken Parmesan with tasty sides. Pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp salad are great choices. They balance the meal and add flavor. For presentation, serve the chicken on a colorful platter. Drizzle extra marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and high-quality marinara sauce can elevate the flavor profile of your Chicken Parmesan significantly. Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For even cooking and crispiness, ensure that the chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer without overlapping. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices, making the chicken more tender and juicy. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, with mozzarella for a unique twist on this classic dish. {{image_4}} You can swap out some ingredients to make Chicken Parmesan healthier. - Almond flour instead of breadcrumbs: Almond flour gives a nutty flavor and is low in carbs. It works great for a gluten-free option. - Dairy-free cheese options: If you want to skip dairy, use cashew cheese or soy cheese. They melt well and taste good. You can also change the flavor to keep things exciting. - Adding spices to the breadcrumb mixture: Try adding paprika or cayenne for some heat. You can also use dried herbs like oregano for more flavor. - Different sauce options besides marinara: While marinara is classic, you can use pesto for a fresh twist. Tomato basil or alfredo sauce are great choices too. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this dish. - Oven-baking instructions for Chicken Parmesan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Add sauce and cheese in the last few minutes of cooking. - Stovetop variations for quick cooking: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side. Add sauce and cheese, cover, and cook until the cheese melts. These variations keep your meals fun and tasty! To store leftover Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, cool it first. Let the chicken sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps prevent bacteria growth. After cooling, place the chicken in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers for best results. They keep the chicken fresh and are easy to clean. You can freeze Chicken Parmesan, but there are a few steps to follow. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the best results, use your air fryer to reheat Chicken Parmesan. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy and warm. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the chicken soggy. If you do use a microwave, place a paper towel over the chicken. This helps absorb excess moisture. To check if the chicken is done, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for this. If you don’t have one, look for clear juices running from the chicken. The meat should not be pink inside. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're short on time, you can thaw it in cold water for about an hour. Increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes for frozen chicken. If you want a change, try using pesto or Alfredo sauce. You can also use a homemade marinara. To make your own, blend tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. You can find a great homemade marinara recipe [here](#). Yes, you can meal prep Chicken Parmesan. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For cooked chicken, let it cool before storing it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for three to four days in the fridge. Chicken Parmesan can be healthy. It provides protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. Compared to traditional Chicken Parmesan, this air-fried version uses less oil and whole wheat breadcrumbs. This makes it lower in fat and calories. Always check the nutritional info to make the best choice! You now have a complete guide to making Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips. You also learned about variations and storage options to keep your meal fresh. This dish is easy to make and fits many diets. Enjoy this quick, tasty meal with your favorite sides. With these steps, you can impress anyone at your table!

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

A delicious and healthier version of the classic Chicken Parmesan, made in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • none Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). While the air fryer is warming up, take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.
  • In a separate shallow bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until it is completely blended and slightly frothy.
  • Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s well-coated, but allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Immediately transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to help the crumbs stick well. Ensure each breast is coated evenly.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping to allow for even cooking.
  • Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully flip each chicken piece using tongs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
  • Once flipped, spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  • Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer using tongs. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant touch before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra marinara sauce and fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, healthy, parmesan