Chicken Parmesan is one of those classic dishes that has a timeless appeal. Crispy, breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese—it’s the perfect comfort food. But what if I told you there’s a way to make this dish even easier and quicker? Enter the air fryer! With the help of the air fryer, you can get that crispy coating and gooey melted cheese without all the deep-frying mess. I love making Chicken Parmesan this way—it’s quicker, healthier, and just as delicious as the traditional version.
In this recipe, the air fryer does the heavy lifting, leaving you with perfectly cooked chicken breasts that are golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this air fryer Chicken Parmesan is the way to go. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this dish!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the main protein in this recipe. They should be boneless and skinless for ease of cooking and eating. I prefer thinner chicken breasts because they cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to coat the chicken, giving it that crispy, golden exterior. You can use traditional breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the breaded chicken. I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, but pre-grated Parmesan can also work in a pinch.
Mozzarella Cheese: The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella cheese is what takes this dish to the next level. Opt for whole milk mozzarella for a richer, creamier melt, or use part-skim if you’re looking to reduce the fat content.
Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce is key to making this recipe flavorful. You can either use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some extra herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes to spice things up!
Olive Oil Spray: This is essential for getting that golden, crispy texture. Lightly spraying the chicken breasts with olive oil ensures that the breadcrumbs will crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick, I recommend slicing them in half horizontally to make them thinner and ensure they cook evenly.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken on both sides. Lightly spray both sides of the coated chicken breasts with olive oil spray to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s some space between them for even cooking. Air fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Add the Marinara and Mozzarella
Once the chicken is cooked, spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with a heaping handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted, remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. I love serving this dish with a side of pasta, a fresh green salad, or even some garlic bread.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest chicken, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure the chicken breasts have some space around them for even air circulation.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize your Chicken Parmesan with extra toppings like fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor.
- Double Coat the Chicken: For an even crispier crust, dip the chicken in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixture twice. This will create a thicker, crunchier coating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Can I use different cheese? While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can bake the breaded chicken breasts in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Then, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure the marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.