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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken is healthy and packed with flavor. This chicken can rival any fine dining restaurant. From start to finish you can enjoy it in less than 30 minutes!
I have discovered the beauty of meal prep these last few years. It really has changed the way that I look at my week. Taking a little extra time at the beginning of the week, can help me make dinners and lunches in advance. It is wonderful to have these on hand for busy days. One of my personal favorites is my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This chicken is so good that I crave it all the time. It goes so well with many side dishes and reheats beautifully.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Though my family may not be fully Italian, there is one thing that I do know about Italian kitchens. The making of a chicken cutlet is one to be taken very seriously. This is my way of perfecting the thin, crisp, tenderness of a proper chicken cutlet. Pounded thin so that they’re super tender and covered in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. Any other breaded chicken you cook in the air fryer, dinosaur shaped or not, will not be as good.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons grated
- White vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin
- Lemon juice: 2 teaspoons
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Mix marinade:
- In a medium-size bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and all seasonings together. Mix well.
- Tenderize chicken:
- Pound each piece of chicken, with a meat mallet or rolling pin, to flatten and tenderize.
- Coat chicken:
- Take each piece of chicken and dredge into the mixture, coating both sides.
- Prepare air fryer:
- Spray the insert of an air-fryer with non-stick spray.
- Air fry:
- Place chicken breasts inside in one even layer. Air fry at 375 degrees F for 12 minutes.
- Rest and serve:
- Let chicken rest a couple of minutes before serving.
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Side Dish Options
As I mentioned before, this is a great recipe to meal prep with. I’ll make white rice and sauté veggies like broccoli, carrots, and asparagus. I portion everything out into sealable containers and then reheat for a few minutes.
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Servings
The exact recipe above makes 3 to 4 servings. It easily doubles and triples if you need more. Only cook 1-pound of chicken at a time to ensure even cooking. It is important that you don’t overload the air fryer.
Can I Make This Chicken Without an Air Fryer?
Yes! This chicken can easily be baked in the oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake this chicken instead of air frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
Serve it with rice, sautéed vegetables like broccoli or carrots, or toss with pasta and a simple red or cream sauce.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for meal prep. Portion with sides and store in containers for quick lunches or dinners.
- → What makes the chicken so tender?
Pounding the chicken breasts thin ensures even cooking and tenderness. The vinegar and lemon juice in the marinade also help tenderize.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but the heat is subtle and can be adjusted or omitted if preferred.