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Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Crispy air-fried chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella for a quick Chicken Parmesan.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time13 minutes
Total Time23 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 chicken cutlets
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for flour mixture
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 egg egg
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • kosher salt to taste; 1/2 teaspoon added to flour mixture per directions
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for breadcrumb mixture
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup prepared tomato sauce
  • 2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese or 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
  • cooking spray for air fryer basket and to spray chicken

Instructions

  • If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 370°F (175°C).
  • Slice the chicken breast horizontally to make two even cutlets; if pieces are uneven, place between plastic wrap and pound to even thickness.
  • Arrange three shallow dishes: mix 1/4 cup flour with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in the first; whisk 1 egg with 2 tablespoons water and a pinch of salt in the second; combine 1/3 cup panko, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) in the third.
  • Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg wash and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
  • Place breaded chicken on a plate and spray the top with cooking spray; place chicken sprayed-side down in the air fryer basket or tray and spray the other side.
  • Air fry at 370°F (175°C) for 6 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken and air fry for another 4 minutes.
  • Remove the basket, top each piece with about 2 tablespoons tomato sauce and a slice (or 1/4 cup shredded) mozzarella.
  • Return to the air fryer and cook 2–3 minutes more, until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  • Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • 3 shallow dishes
  • Meat mallet or heavy skillet
  • Tongs
  • Plate

Notes

  • This recipe makes 2 pieces of chicken; double and cook in batches if needed.
  • If cooking in batches, refrigerate uncooked breaded chicken while the first batch cooks.
  • For gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • For egg-free, substitute milk for the egg wash.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for best crisping.