Easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe | Quick & Healthy Meal

The Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a healthier, quicker version of the classic Italian dish. It begins with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture for a crispy exterior. After being lightly sprayed with oil, the chicken is air-fried to golden perfection, eliminating the need for deep frying. Once cooked, the chicken is topped with marinara sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The dish is then air-fried for a few more minutes to melt the cheese and create a bubbly, satisfying topping. This method retains all the flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan, but with less oil and a quicker cooking time. Serve it over spaghetti or with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. The Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a perfect solution for busy weeknights or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier take on this Italian favorite.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe | Quick & Healthy Meal

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that’s known for its crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Traditionally, this dish is deep-fried, making it rich and indulgent but also heavy. However, the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier, faster, and equally delicious version of this beloved dish. By using the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy crust without all the excess oil, while still keeping the rich flavors intact. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves Chicken Parmesan but wants to reduce fat intake or cut down on cooking time.

In this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Then, they are air-fried until golden and crisp. Afterward, marinara sauce and mozzarella are added, and the chicken is air-fried again to melt the cheese. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s both crispy and juicy, with all the flavors of the original Chicken Parmesan but without the deep frying.

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Nutrition:

Per Serving (1 piece of Chicken Parmesan):

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Sugars: 5g

Note: These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of breadcrumbs, cheese, or marinara sauce.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

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Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowls (for breading)
• Tongs or a fork (for handling the chicken)
• Cooking spray
• A basting brush (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
2. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
   • In the first bowl, beat the egg.
   • In the second bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • The third bowl is for the coated chicken breasts once breaded (optional).
3. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
4. Spray the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent the chicken from sticking and to help achieve a crispy texture.
5. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow proper airflow. Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C).
6. Top the Chicken with Sauce and Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked, spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Air fry the chicken again for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of pasta, salad, or garlic bread.

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Cuisines:

• Italian-American
• Italian

Course:

• Main Course

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan:

• For Extra Crispiness: If you like your chicken extra crispy, you can lightly spray the chicken with olive oil before air frying. This helps the breading become even more golden.
• Chicken Thickness: Make sure your chicken breasts are even in thickness for uniform cooking. If they are uneven, consider pounding them to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
• Cheese Options: If you don’t have mozzarella, you can substitute with provolone or a mixture of Italian cheeses.
• Breadcrumb Variations: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan:

• Quick & Easy: Traditional Chicken Parmesan requires frying, baking, and assembly, but this air fryer version cuts down the process to under 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Healthier Option: By using the air fryer, you reduce the need for oil, which significantly lowers the calorie and fat content compared to deep frying.
• Customizable: You can customize this recipe to fit your dietary preferences. Opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs, use low-fat mozzarella, or make your own marinara sauce for a fresher twist.

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Conclusion:

This Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan but wants a lighter and faster version. It delivers all the crunchy, cheesy goodness without the added grease of deep-frying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special weeknight meal, this healthier rendition of a classic dish will surely become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Additional Nutritional Information (Optional):

While this Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist, it’s important to consider the nutrition per serving. The main components of the dish—chicken, breadcrumbs, and cheese—provide a solid source of protein and calcium. The inclusion of marinara sauce adds vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for immune health. By using the air fryer, you’ll also cut down on the oils and fats that can add up in traditional frying methods, making this recipe a healthier option without compromising flavor.