Olivia Carter
Air fryers have quickly become a popular kitchen appliance for their ability to cook food with minimal oil, resulting in healthier and lighter dishes. But can you make a classic Italian dish like Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer?
The answer is a resounding yes! You can achieve the same crispy and golden crust that you get from traditional frying, but with a fraction of the oil. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the chicken, giving it a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American dish that typically involves breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. With an air fryer, you can still enjoy all the flavors and textures of this classic dish, but with a healthier twist.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan in an Air Fryer
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. Traditionally, it is made by frying breaded chicken and then baking it with marinara sauce and cheese. However, you can also achieve a delicious and crispy result by using an air fryer.
Ingredients:
| For the Chicken: | For the Coating: | For the Topping: |
|---|---|---|
| – 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts | – 1 cup breadcrumbs | – 1 cup marinara sauce |
| – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour | – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese | – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese |
| – 2 eggs, beaten | – 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning | – Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) |
| – Salt and pepper, to taste | – Salt and pepper, to taste |
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half horizontally, but not all the way through. Open the chicken breasts like a book and flatten them slightly using a meat mallet.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. In three separate bowls, set up your coating station. Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in the third bowl.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken in beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
7. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
8. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and top each breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
11. Serve the chicken parmesan with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a healthier version of chicken parmesan that is packed with flavor. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy coating without the need for deep frying, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Preparing the Chicken
Before you can start making chicken Parm in an air fryer, you’ll need to prepare the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- While the air fryer is preheating, take boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces of chicken.
- In a shallow dish, mix together bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into beaten eggs, then coat it with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken onto a plate or wire rack while you repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Once all the chicken pieces are breaded, lightly spray them with cooking spray. This will help them become crispy in the air fryer.
Now that your chicken is ready, you can move on to cooking it in the air fryer to make delicious chicken Parmesan.
Coating the Chicken
Coating the chicken is a crucial step in making chicken Parmesan in an air fryer. The crispy coating adds a delightful texture to the dish, and the air fryer helps to achieve that perfect crunch without the need for deep frying. Here are the steps to coat the chicken:
Ingredients:
| 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| 1 cup bread crumbs |
| 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese |
| 1 teaspoon garlic powder |
| 1 teaspoon dried oregano |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper |
| 2 eggs, beaten |
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will be the coating mixture.
2. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat both sides.
3. Transfer the egg-coated chicken breast to the coating mixture. Press it gently into the mixture to ensure an even coating on both sides.
4. Repeat the process for the remaining chicken breasts.
5. Place the coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded, to allow proper air circulation.
6. Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and set aside. The coated chicken is now ready to be topped with marinara sauce and cheese to complete the chicken Parmesan.
Following these steps will result in perfectly coated chicken breasts that are crispy and flavorful, making for a delicious chicken Parmesan made in the air fryer.
Air Frying the Chicken Parmesan
When it comes to making delicious and crispy chicken Parmesan, an air fryer can be a game changer. Not only does it cook the chicken to perfection, but it also cuts down on the amount of oil needed to achieve that crispy coating.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken Parmesan in an air fryer:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). |
| 1 cup breadcrumbs | 2. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning. |
| 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese | 3. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. |
| 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning | 4. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, coating both sides. |
| 2 large eggs | 5. Press the chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. |
| 1 cup marinara sauce | 6. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. |
| 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese | 7. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 12 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached. |
| Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) | 8. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and top each breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. |
| 9. Place the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. | |
| 10. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot. |
Air frying chicken Parmesan is a healthier alternative to deep frying, with the same delicious taste and crispy texture. Give it a try and enjoy this classic Italian dish!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your chicken Parmesan is crispy and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips to make the most of your meal:
1. Plating
Start by carefully transferring the chicken Parmesan from the air fryer basket to a serving plate. Use a spatula or tongs to avoid damaging the crispy coating. Place the chicken pieces side by side for an appealing presentation.
2. Garnish
Add a finishing touch to your chicken Parmesan by garnishing it with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Not only will this add a pop of color, but it will also enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
3. Side Dishes
Chicken Parmesan pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with spaghetti or any other type of pasta, along with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a garden salad.
4. Wine Pairing
If you’re a wine lover, complement your chicken Parmesan with a glass of red wine. The rich flavors of the dish can be beautifully balanced with a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot.
Remember to savor each bite of your homemade chicken Parmesan and share this delicious dish with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
Q&A
Can you make chicken parm in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make chicken parm in an air fryer. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying and still results in a crispy, delicious chicken parm.
How do you make chicken parm in an air fryer?
To make chicken parm in an air fryer, first bread the chicken cutlets with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer and cook at a high temperature until it is crispy and cooked through. Then top the chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.
What are the benefits of making chicken parm in an air fryer?
Making chicken parm in an air fryer has several benefits. Firstly, it requires less oil compared to traditional frying, making it a healthier option. The air fryer also cooks the chicken evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Additionally, using the air fryer eliminates the need for preheating the oven, saving time and energy. Overall, making chicken parm in an air fryer is a convenient and healthier way to enjoy this classic dish.
