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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Breaded chicken cutlets cooked in the air fryer for a deeply golden crust, then topped with marinara and melted mozzarella - all without heating up the oven or deep-frying.

45 minMediumServes 4540 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerAir FryerHigh ProteinPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • as needed cooking spray
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Place 2 halved horizontally boneless, skinless chicken breasts cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.

  3. 3

    Set up a breading station: one shallow dish with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mix of 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.

  4. 4

    Place breaded cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray both sides generously with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

  5. 5

    Open the air fryer and spoon 1.5 cups marinara sauce over each cutlet. Top evenly with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

  6. 6

    Close the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately, garnished with 2 tbsp torn fresh basil leaves.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan reach?

For Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, the air fryer is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 8 minutes, in step 4. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 375 F (about 190 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What should Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 4: cook until golden and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Step 6: cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. A reading of 375 F on a thermometer settles it.

Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning in Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?

The entry for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan calls for 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan?

Yes. Boneless thighs at the same weight are more forgiving and stay juicier. Give them two to four minutes longer; they are at their best around 175 F rather than 165 F. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan uses 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally.

Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free dinner collection instead.

Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works); the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan contain eggs?

Yes: 2 large eggs, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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