Air-Fried Chicken Parmesan: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken Parmesan is a classic comfort food that can be made healthier in an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of crispy, juicy, and cheesy chicken without the hassle and unhealthiness of deep frying. By using an air fryer, you can achieve the same golden and crunchy exterior with a fraction of the calories and fat. The air fryer's rapid air circulation makes the food crispy, similar to deep frying, but without the need for oil.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you will need to carefully butterfly your chicken breasts. This involves cutting them in half widthwise so that you end up with thin slices of chicken. This technique is important because thin pieces of chicken will result in a crispier parmesan coating. It will also ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. This step will enhance the flavour of the chicken and is essential to the recipe's success. You can also add some garlic powder for an extra kick of flavour.

Now, it's time to set up your dredging station. You will need three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place some flour and season it with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat a couple of eggs. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and any additional seasonings you want to add, such as oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.

It's time to coat the chicken! Working with one piece at a time, coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, dip the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it evenly and gently pressing the mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere.

Once all your chicken pieces are well-coated, you can arrange them in your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the chicken in a single layer and spray with cooking spray or olive oil.

Now, you can air fry your chicken. The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, but generally, you will want to cook the chicken for around 5-7 minutes on each side at a temperature between 350-400°F.

Follow these steps, and you will have perfectly prepared chicken ready for the next steps in making delicious air fryer chicken parmesan!

Coating the chicken

Firstly, prepare your dredging station by using three separate bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour and season it with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavour of the chicken. In the second bowl, whisk a couple of eggs until they are well combined. The eggs act as a binder and help the breading stick to the chicken. In the third bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the coating. This typically includes breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, but you can also add other ingredients such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for extra flavour. You can use either regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a lighter and flakier texture.

Once your dredging station is set up, it's time to start coating the chicken. Start by seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Then, take each cutlet and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured cutlet into the egg mixture, ensuring that it is completely coated. Finally, dredge the cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Repeat this process for all the chicken cutlets. It is important that you work with one cutlet at a time to ensure an even and thorough coating.

After all the cutlets are coated, you can spray them with cooking spray or olive oil to help the breading stick and give the chicken a crispy texture when cooked. Place the coated chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. If your air fryer is not big enough to fit all the cutlets in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Now your chicken is coated and ready to be air-fried!

Air-frying the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts until they are around 1/2 an inch thick. This will ensure even cooking and a tender texture. You can use two large chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise, or use four small ones.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Set up three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour (optional). In the second bowl, whisk one or two eggs, depending on the number of chicken breasts. In the third bowl, combine the dry ingredients: panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add garlic powder for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken! Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour (optional), dip them in the egg mixture, and finally, coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated, shaking off any excess between each step.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil to help achieve a crispy texture.

Air fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when it is fully cooked.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Melt Cheese

Once the chicken is cooked, it's time to add the toppings! Spread a layer of marinara sauce on each chicken breast, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and an optional extra layer of Parmesan cheese. Place the air fryer basket back in and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and juicy Air-Fried Chicken Parmesan. Enjoy!

Adding toppings

Once your chicken is cooked, it's time to add toppings. Pull out the frying basket and spoon a layer of marinara sauce onto the chicken breasts. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own. Then, sprinkle parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese on top. Place the air fryer basket back in the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned lightly brown.

If you're cooking the chicken in batches, repeat the topping process with the remaining chicken.

You can also add other toppings like pepper jack cheese or bocconcini.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your air-fried chicken Parmesan:

Pasta

Chicken Parmesan is often served with pasta, and for good reason! The marinara sauce and melted mozzarella in the dish pair perfectly with a variety of pasta shapes. Spaghetti, angel hair, fettuccini, or penne are all great options to consider. You can also try zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Simply plate your chicken Parmesan on top of a bed of pasta and enjoy the delicious combination of flavours and textures.

Bread

Toasted bread or garlic bread is a classic side dish for chicken Parmesan. It can help soak up any extra sauce and provides a contrasting texture to the crispy chicken. For an extra indulgent touch, try serving your chicken Parmesan with garlic bread topped with melted mozzarella.

Salads and Vegetables

If you're looking for something lighter or want to add some greenery to your plate, consider serving your chicken Parmesan with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the chicken. Alternatively, roasted or air-fried vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans can also make a tasty and nutritious side dish.

Potatoes

Potatoes are another versatile side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways to accompany your chicken Parmesan. Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even air-fried French fries can all make delicious options. The starchiness of potatoes pairs well with the protein-rich chicken and helps to round out the meal.

Other Sides

There are also several other side dishes that can complement your air-fried chicken Parmesan. Here are a few more ideas:

• Breadsticks
• Oven-roasted vegetables
• Brown sugar-glazed carrots
• Garlic noodles
• Creamy Greek salad

Remember, the beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different side dishes to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions