Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and versatile dish that many people enjoy. It’s a classic Italian-American recipe that typically involves breading and frying chicken before topping it with marinara sauce and melted cheese. While the traditional method can be a bit time-consuming and messy, using an air fryer can make the process quick, easy, and healthier. In this article, I will share with you a simple and mouthwatering recipe for making chicken parm in an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you will need:
For the Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray (preferably olive oil)
For the Sauce:
– 2 cups of marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Toppings:
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
– Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the chicken breasts. Make sure to trim any excess fat or tendon from the chicken breasts. Then, place them on a cutting board and cover them with a plastic wrap.
Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and results in a crispy exterior. Once you have flattened the chicken breasts, set them aside.
Bread and Air Fry the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Take each chicken breast and press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Place the breaded chicken breasts on a clean plate.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
Assemble and Finish the Dish
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, covering them completely.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You can also add some freshly chopped basil leaves for added freshness and flavor.
Place the baking sheet with the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to bubble and brown slightly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
To serve, place each chicken breast on a plate and garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle some freshly chopped basil leaves on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy Your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan!
Now that your air fryer chicken Parmesan is ready, it’s time to dig in and savor the deliciousness. Serve it alongside some pasta, a side salad, or even on a crusty roll for a seriously satisfying sandwich.
The beauty of making chicken Parmesan in an air fryer is that you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of the traditional dish without the greasiness of frying. The air fryer effortlessly achieves a crispy and golden exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will love. So why not give it a try and discover a healthier and easier way to enjoy this classic Italian-American dish?