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Crispy Air Fryer Oven Chicken Parmesan

Two halves of crispy chicken parmesan showing the white interior, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese from the air fryer oven.
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Make restaurant-quality, crispy Chicken Parmesan using your air fryer oven. This recipe delivers juicy chicken with perfectly golden breading without deep frying.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low moisture, whole milk preferred)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pound each chicken breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer oven.
  2. Set up the breading station: Place flour in the first shallow dish. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and water. In the third dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Coat each cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the Panko mixture to coat both sides completely.
  4. Preheat the air fryer oven: Set your air fryer oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius).
  5. Pre-cook the chicken: Lightly spray the breaded cutlets on both sides with cooking spray. Place the cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer oven basket or rack, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 10 minutes.
  6. Flip and continue cooking: Carefully flip the cutlets. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). The breading should be golden brown.
  7. Add toppings: Remove the basket. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the top of each cutlet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  8. Melt the cheese: Return the chicken to the air fryer oven. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  9. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken immediately. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving over pasta or with a side salad.

Notes

  • To prevent the topping from blowing off due to high air circulation, add the sauce and cheese only after the initial crisping phase (Step 6).
  • Use Panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest result; they absorb less oil than standard breadcrumbs.
  • For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer oven basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/chicken-parmesan-recipe-air-fryer-oven/