Air-Fried Chicken Parmesan: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of saucy, cheesy, breaded chicken breasts. Traditionally, it is fried in oil, but an air fryer provides a healthier alternative that is quicker, easier, and less messy. Air-fried chicken parm has a crispy crust without the need for oil and can be served with pasta, salad, or garlic bread.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you will need to cut and prepare the chicken breasts. Place a full-sized chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully slice it in half horizontally to create two cutlets. It is important to ensure that the cutlets are of an even thickness, so use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to around 1/4-inch thickness. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gives it that signature crispy texture.

Next, you will need to set up a dredging station. This is a three-step process that will give your chicken the classic crispy coating. First, prepare a shallow bowl of flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat some eggs. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. For the breadcrumbs, you can use Italian-style, plain, or Panko, and if using plain, add some Italian seasoning. For the cheese, finely grated Parmesan works best as it sticks to the chicken cutlets. You can also add other seasonings to this bowl, such as garlic powder, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavour.

Now it's time to dredge the chicken. Working with one piece at a time, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg bowl, ensuring the chicken is fully coated, before finally dipping it into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the chicken into the mixture to ensure it is fully covered. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken pieces.

Once all the chicken is coated, spray the breaded chicken with non-stick cooking spray on all sides. This will help ensure an even crispier texture.

Making the coating

To make the coating for your chicken parm in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare a dredging station with three bowls.

In the first bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder to the flour mixture if you like.

In the second bowl, whisk some eggs.

In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and any desired seasonings. You can use Italian-style breadcrumbs or plain breadcrumbs with added Italian seasoning. For the cheese, finely ground Parmesan works best as it sticks more easily to the chicken. You can also add other seasonings to this bowl, such as oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.

Now you're ready to coat the chicken! Start by dipping the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. You can gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.

Once all the chicken pieces are coated, spray them with nonstick cooking spray on all sides. This will help ensure a crispy coating.

Cooking the chicken

To cook the chicken, you'll first need to prepare the chicken breasts. Slice each breast in half lengthwise, creating two thinner slices. You can do this by placing the breast on a cutting board and carefully slicing it horizontally. You can also try butterflying the chicken breast, which will create four thin pieces. This will make the chicken extra crispy.

Next, you'll want to pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to ensure they are of an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook evenly. After this, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

Now, you'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk some eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and Italian seasoning.

Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring all sides are covered. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.

Once your chicken is coated, arrange the pieces in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set the air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F and cook for around 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown.

After this, you can add your toppings. Spread marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Melting the cheese

To melt the cheese, you will need to top the chicken with your chosen sauce and cheese. The sauce is typically a marinara or pasta sauce, and the cheese is usually mozzarella, although provolone is also a good substitute. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella over your sauce-covered chicken, and place it back in the air fryer.

Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model, but generally, it should take around 3-4 minutes for the cheese to melt. You may also want to cook it for a little longer if you prefer your cheese to be golden brown.

Once the cheese has melted, your chicken parm is ready to be served. You can serve it with pasta, a fresh salad, or garlic bread.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Parm is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your Air Fryer Chicken Parm:

Pasta

Chicken Parm is delicious when served on top of a bed of pasta. The marinara sauce from the dish pairs well with various pasta shapes, from spaghetti to angel hair to fettuccini. The sauce coats the pasta, adding flavour and moisture. This is a great way to elevate your dish and make it a heartier meal.

Garlic Bread

If you're looking for a classic side to accompany your Chicken Parm, garlic bread is always a good option. The garlicky, buttery bread is a perfect pairing for the saucy, cheesy chicken. It also helps to mop up any extra sauce on your plate!

Salads

For a lighter option, serve your Chicken Parm with a fresh salad. A simple Italian salad or a Caesar salad will complement the flavours of the dish without overwhelming them. You could also add a twist to your salad by including ingredients like Brussels sprouts or roasted vegetables.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another excellent side dish for Chicken Parm. They provide a creamy, comforting base to soak up all the delicious sauce. For an extra kick of flavour, try garlic mashed potatoes.

Breadsticks

If you're looking for something a little different, try serving your Chicken Parm with breadsticks. Olive Garden-style breadsticks, in particular, can be a great option to dip into the sauce and round out your meal.

Vegetables

Steamed or roasted vegetables are a healthy and tasty option to serve with Chicken Parm. They provide a nice contrast in texture and can be a great way to add some colour to your plate. Simple steamed veggies or roasted veggies with herbs are a perfect pairing.

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