Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic Italian-American dish, offering a crispy, cheesy, and delicious meal without the need for deep frying. Here’s how you can make it:

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Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked pasta or zucchini noodles, for serving

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

• Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets (or pound them to an even thickness).
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station:

• Place the flour in a shallow dish.
• In a second dish, add the beaten eggs.
• In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

3. Bread the Chicken:

• Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Chicken:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
• Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Add the Toppings:

• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and top each cutlet with marinara sauce and 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.

7. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
• Serve with cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or a side salad.

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Tips:

• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded chicken with olive oil before air frying.
• If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, or make your own for a homemade touch.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan—a lighter, quicker, and equally delicious version of the classic!