Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (Printer-Friendly Version)

Crispy chicken coated with Parmesan and panko, cooked in an air fryer until golden and melty topped.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Breading

02 - 85 grams all-purpose flour (about 1/3 cup)
03 - 2 large eggs, beaten
04 - 100 grams panko bread crumbs (about 1 cup)
05 - 25 grams finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)

→ Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - Kosher salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Sauce and Cheese

11 - 240 milliliters marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade (about 1 cup)
12 - 115 grams shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)

→ Garnish

13 - Chopped fresh parsley, as needed

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing each in half widthwise to create four thin, even pieces. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and garlic powder respectively.
03 - Working one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip fully into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
04 - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 204°C (400°F) for approximately 5 minutes per side until just cooked through.
05 - Top each chicken piece evenly with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Return to the air fryer and cook at 204°C (400°F) for an additional 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
06 - Transfer chicken to plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Butterflying the chicken into thin cutlets ensures a crispier coating and quicker, even cooking.
02 - Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain optimal crispiness and cooking temperature.