Air-Fried Chicken Parm: A Tasty, Quick Treat

Chicken Parmesan is a classic comfort food, but the traditional frying method can be a hassle and unhealthy. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to frying, using less oil and cooking food faster. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is a healthier, quicker, and less messy way to enjoy this classic dish.

Chicken breast preparation

Slicing and Butterflying:

Start with boneless and skinless chicken breasts, as they are the best cut for this recipe. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to butterfly it, creating two thinner pieces of chicken. This technique helps the chicken cook more evenly and quickly. Carefully slice the chicken breast in half widthwise or horizontally, ensuring you cut all the way through.

Pounding:

To ensure even cooking and a tender texture, you may need to pound the chicken pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap to achieve an even thickness. This step is especially important if some pieces are thicker than others.

Seasoning:

Don't hold back on the seasoning! Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add some garlic powder to enhance the flavor.

Breading Station Setup:

Set up three shallow dishes or bowls for dredging and coating the chicken. In the first bowl, place flour (for a dry surface) and season it with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat eggs or whisk them to form an egg wash. The eggs will act as a binder and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. For the breadcrumbs, Panko is recommended for an extra crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs will also work. You can also add Italian seasoning, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Dredging and Coating:

Now it's time to coat your chicken! Take each piece of chicken and coat it with flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Gently press the chicken into the breadcrumbs to help them adhere well. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.

Spraying:

Lightly spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray or non-stick cooking spray. This step will give your chicken a beautiful golden-brown color and help achieve that crispy texture.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Now your chicken breasts are perfectly prepared and ready for the final steps of Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan!

Breading the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing and butterflying your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This technique involves cutting the chicken breasts in half widthwise or lengthwise to create two thinner pieces of chicken. It's important to ensure that the pieces are of even thickness, so you may need to pound the chicken gently between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this will help achieve a crispier texture. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls or dishes for the breading process. In the first bowl, add flour and season it with salt and pepper. (Alternatively, you can use a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, or dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder, as per your preference.) In the second bowl, beat eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings. You can also add dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, or garlic powder for extra flavor. Make sure to mix the dry ingredients well so that your breading is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Now it's time to coat the chicken with the breading. Take one piece of chicken at a time and coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring that every surface is covered. Finally, coat it in the panko mixture, gently pressing the chicken into the breadcrumbs to ensure they adhere well. Repeat this process with the remaining pieces of chicken.

Step 4: Spray and Air Fry

Once all the chicken pieces are breaded, spray them with cooking spray or non-aerosol oil spray. This step will help achieve that desirable golden-brown color and crispiness. Place the breaded chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it turns a light golden color.

Step 5: Toppings and Final Cook

After achieving a golden crust, it's time to add the toppings. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and top each piece with your favorite marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

And there you have it! Perfectly breaded Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Enjoy your delicious creation, and don't forget to share it with your loved ones!

Air-frying the chicken

• Prepare the chicken breasts: Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin slices, also known as butterflying. This step ensures even cooking and a crispy texture. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed.
• Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavour.
• Create a dredging station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place flour (optional) and season it with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for a crispier texture), grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings.
• Dredge the chicken: Working with one piece at a time, coat the chicken in flour (optional), shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure an even and well-coated surface.
• Spray the chicken: Lightly spray the breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. This step helps achieve a golden-brown colour and crispiness.
• Air-fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F for about 3 minutes. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air-fry for about 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown.
• Flip and cook the other side: After achieving a golden colour, flip the chicken pieces and air-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Add toppings: With the chicken still in the air fryer, top each piece with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a cheesier dish.
• Final cook: Continue air-frying for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach a minimum of 165°F.
• Repeat with remaining batches: If you cooked the chicken in batches, repeat steps 6 to 9 with the remaining pieces.

Adding toppings

Once your chicken is cooked, it's time to add your toppings. Start by adding your marinara sauce—either homemade or store-bought—followed by mozzarella cheese. You can also add an extra layer of parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for an extra cheesy treat.

Place the chicken back into the air fryer and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

You can also add fresh parsley or basil as a final touch before serving.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Chicken parm leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months.

To reheat chicken parm in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-360ºF and cook for 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese is sizzling and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

Alternatively, you can reheat chicken parm in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 250-325ºF and place the chicken parm on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with aluminium foil and reheat for 10 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, stir, and rotate the tray. Return to the oven and reheat for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

To reheat on the stovetop, preheat oil in a skillet over medium heat and place the leftover chicken pieces in the skillet. Reheat until the chicken turns brown, then flip and add cheese. Cover and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

To reheat in the microwave, place the chicken parm on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Reheat at medium power for 1 minute, then continue to microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

When reheating chicken parm, whether in the air fryer, oven, stovetop, or microwave, it is important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF to prevent foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions