Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These handy kitchen appliances allow you to enjoy your favorite fried foods without the excessive oil and calories. One dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer is chicken parmigiana. This classic Italian-American dish combines breaded chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and melted cheese. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking chicken parmigiana in an air fryer, and show you how to achieve a delicious and healthy twist on this beloved dish.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For chicken parmigiana, you will need the following:
1. Chicken breasts: Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are about 1-inch thick. You can either use whole chicken breasts or slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
2. Breadcrumbs: Opt for Italian-style breadcrumbs as they add a delightful flavor to the dish. Alternatively, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier coating.
3. Eggs: You will need a couple of eggs to create an egg wash, which helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
4. Marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own from scratch for the best flavor. You’ll need enough sauce to generously coat each chicken cutlet.
5. Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella or pre-shredded mozzarella cheese works well for this recipe. You’ll want enough cheese to cover each cutlet.
6. Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory taste to the dish. Sprinkle some on top of each cutlet before baking.
7. Seasonings: To enhance the flavor of the dish, you can add some dried Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil, to both the breadcrumbs and the marinara sauce.
Preparing the Chicken
The first step in making chicken parmigiana is preparing the chicken. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is heating up, you can begin the breading process.
Cutting and Seasoning the Chicken
If you’re using whole chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This not only helps with even cooking but also ensures that each portion is a more manageable size. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
Creating the Breading Station
To create a crispy coating on the chicken, you’ll need a breading station. In one shallow dish, beat the eggs to create the egg wash. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with the dried Italian herbs and some Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Breading the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken cutlet into the egg wash, making sure to coat both sides. Allow any excess egg to drip off before transferring the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Repeat this process for each chicken cutlet.
Cooking the Chicken Parmigiana
Once the chicken has been breaded, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Place the breaded chicken cutlets into the preheated 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.
Air Frying Process
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken cutlets and the heat intensity of your air fryer.
Adding the Marinara Sauce and Cheese
After the chicken cutlets are cooked through, remove them from the air fryer basket and place them on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce on top of each cutlet, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cutlets with Parmesan cheese, and then add a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking the Chicken Parmigiana
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the baking sheet or dish with the chicken cutlets in the oven. Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this time to prevent burning.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the cheese has melted and the chicken parmigiana has finished baking, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant and aromatic touch.
Chicken parmigiana is typically served with pasta or a side of steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a green salad for a lighter and healthier meal. Be sure to drizzle some of the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken and serve any extra sauce on the side.
In conclusion, cooking chicken parmigiana in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish. By using the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy and golden coating without the need for excessive oil. So, why not give it a try? Impress your family and friends with a delicious and healthy twist on chicken parmigiana, and savor every bite.