Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g total)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g panko breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried basil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml marinara sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g mozzarella cheese, sliced or grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh basil leaves for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Olive oil spray</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Meat mallet or rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">3 shallow dishes for breading station</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper (optional)</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even thickness of about 1.5cm. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. Cut each breast in half if they're particularly large to fit in your air fryer basket.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper in the first; beaten eggs in the second; and in the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This layered coating process creates the perfect crispy exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Dredge each chicken piece first in flour (shaking off excess), then in beaten egg, and finally in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating. Place breaded chicken on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the coating to adhere properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches), then spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray for that golden finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Cook for 6-7 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown, then carefully flip the chicken. The air circulation in the fryer creates a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but with significantly less oil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer using a spatula. If cooking in batches, you can keep the first batch warm in an oven set to 120°C while preparing the rest.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese. The contrast between the crispy exterior, juicy chicken, tangy sauce and melty cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve immediately for the best experience!</li></ol>