Air-Fried Chicken Parmesan: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken Parmesan is a classic comfort food, but frying it can be a hassle and it's not the healthiest option. However, an air fryer is a great alternative as it requires minimal to no oil and cooks food faster than an oven. This article will teach you how to make juicy and crispy Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, you will need to carefully butterfly your chicken breasts. This involves cutting each chicken breast in half widthwise to create four thin pieces of chicken. This technique is important as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gives it that perfect crispy texture.

Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano to enhance the 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 all-purpose flour and season it with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat a couple of eggs. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and shredded or grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add Italian seasoning, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder to this mixture for extra flavour.

Take each piece of chicken and coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Repeat this process for all pieces of chicken.

Once your chicken is well-coated, you can arrange it 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're ready to air fry your chicken! Set your air fryer to around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

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

Making the coating

Next, you'll want to coat the chicken. First, dip the chicken in the 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, ensuring both sides of the chicken are well coated. You can gently press the chicken into the mixture to help it adhere. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.

Air frying the chicken

Air-frying the chicken is a quick and easy way to make a healthier version of chicken parmesan. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying your boneless, skinless chicken breasts to create four thin pieces of chicken. This can be done by slicing the chicken breasts in half widthwise or lengthwise. Having thin pieces of chicken will ensure they cook evenly and give you that perfect crispy texture. If your chicken pieces are of different thicknesses, you can use plastic wrap or a meat tenderiser to pound them to an even thickness.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

You will need three shallow bowls or dishes for this step. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour and season it with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat a couple of eggs. In the third bowl, combine your breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and any desired seasonings. For the breadcrumbs, you can use Italian-style, Panko, or a mix of both. As for the cheese, shredded or grated Parmesan works best. You can also add some Italian seasoning, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or a mix of these to your breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.

Step 4: 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. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper air circulation. Spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil. Air-fry for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Finish Cooking

Once the chicken is golden brown, it's time to add your toppings. Spread a layer of marinara sauce onto each piece of chicken and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Air-fry for another 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Your air-fried chicken parmesan is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with a side of pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a delicious and healthier version of a classic dish.

Adding toppings

Once your chicken is cooked, it's time to add toppings! Start by topping each piece of chicken with marinara sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, but it's recommended to use a good-quality brand. Spread about 1/3 cup of sauce over each piece of chicken.

Next, add the cheese. Mozzarella is a must for chicken parmesan, and it's best to shred it yourself for the best results. Use fresh mozzarella, or shredded mozzarella, and top each piece of chicken with 2 tablespoons of cheese. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella—about 1 tablespoon.

Finally, add some fresh herbs as a garnish. Chopped fresh parsley is a great choice, and you can also add some fresh basil for extra flavour.

Once you've added your toppings, it's time to bake the chicken. Place it in the oven and bake for 12-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. If you want to brown the top a little more, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn't burn.

And that's it! Your chicken parmesan is now ready to be served. Enjoy the delicious, crispy, and cheesy dish with your choice of sides, such as pasta, salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, ranging from hearty pasta dishes to crunchy salads and roasted vegetables. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your air-fried chicken Parmesan:

Pasta Dishes

• Spaghetti, penne, orzo, or tortellini are classic choices to accompany the chicken Parmesan. Top the pasta with fresh basil, parsley, grated Parmesan, and pecorino cheese for a refreshing touch.
• Elote pasta salad—a Mexican-inspired dish with tangy, fresh, and spicy flavours from ingredients like savoury cotija cheese, lime juice, and sweet corn.
• For a vegan and dairy-free option, try vegan mac and cheese.
• Eggplant pomodoro pasta combines hearty Italian ingredients like rich tomato sauce, briny green olives, and tender eggplant.
• Butternut squash noodles or zucchini noodles are excellent low-carb and gluten-free alternatives. You can dress them with sauces or simply sauté them with garlic and olive oil.

Salads

• Classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce and a tangy dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of chicken Parmesan.
• Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds vibrant colours and a tangy twist.
• Boston lettuce salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a bright and zesty option that can be prepared in just 20 minutes.
• Roasted asparagus salad with spicy red radish, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes adds a colourful and delicious twist.
• Healthy cucumber salad with tangy Greek yoghurt dressing is a refreshing and well-seasoned choice.
• Spring mix salad is an easy and healthy option that can be prepared while your chicken Parmesan bakes in the oven.
• Turkish white bean salad is a visually appealing and flavourful dish with a zesty dressing, juicy tomatoes, and creamy white beans.
• Quinoa Mediterranean salad packed with red onions, feta cheese, and cucumbers is a versatile and flavourful option.

Vegetable Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze provide a nutritious and flavourful side. Top them with Parmesan crisps for a savoury crunch.
• Sautéed spinach is a nutritious and flavorful option, packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic or Parmesan cheese enhance the rich, savory notes of the chicken.
• Grilled asparagus, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, offers a fresh and healthy complement.
• Stuffed mushrooms with garlic, cheese, and fresh herbs harmonise beautifully with the tomato and cheese elements of chicken Parmesan.
• Lemon roasted potatoes, infused with lemon zest and roasted garlic, offer a zesty and crispy side dish to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Wild rice pilaf—a vegan and gluten-free dish packed with flavourful veggies.
• Bulgur pilaf, a filling Turkish dish made with juicy tomatoes and tender chickpeas.
• Lemon quinoa, with its zesty and well-seasoned flavours, is a perfect complement to the robust taste of chicken Parmesan.

Breads

• Garlic bread is a classic side that pairs perfectly with the savoury and aromatic notes of the chicken.
• Olive bread with olive oil dip is a simple yet elegant Italian option.

Frequently asked questions