Everyone constantly requests some more chicken parm, making it one of those dishes that you simply cannot pass up.
It’s excellent! Crispy breaded chicken topped with homemade marinara and cheese which is unbeatable. In our home, everyone enjoys this. It’s quite simple to put together with an air fryer, which is fantastic because my kids regularly want it.
One of the few meals they’ll happily eat is this air fryer chicken parmesan. It is even suitable for finicky eaters!
My air fryer gets everything wonderfully crispy without using any oil, whether I’m cooking chicken or fries. It’s the same with this chicken parm. The breading has the ideal crunch and is incredibly tasty.
The incredible flavor and texture of each bite are provided by the melted parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs. This chicken parm from the air fryer tastes just as good—if not even better—than when it’s baked.
Additionally, it cooks in half the time and cleans up quickly! Prepare yourself for a new, sweet passion.
Chicken parm cooked in the air fryer is cheesy, crispy, and ready in just 10 minutes! It is a simple recipe that your family will love.
Is Air Frying Healthy?
The answer is that it depends on your definition of “healthy” and the other cooking techniques you are using as a benchmark.
The air fryer is typically a healthier alternative to deep frying because it has fewer calories and may create less inflammation, which may lower the chance of developing chronic diseases in the future.
The response is less obvious as compared to the oven. The two appliances perform similarly, with the exception that the first one lets you cook meals more quickly.
The actual determinant of “what is healthy” is the type of food you consume and cook in the air fryer. In general, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish, and lean meats are cooked in the air fryer just as well as they do in the oven.
However, just because using an air fryer is preferable to deep frying doesn’t mean you may eat as much higher-calorie food as you like. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that the main advantage of air frying over deep frying is the absence of oil, so if you start liberally dousing air-fried meals in oil, the advantages might not be as pronounced.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Steps | Procedure |
Step 1 | In a little saucepan set over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the crushed red pepper and garlic; heat for approximately 30 seconds, stirring regularly, until the garlic starts to crackle. Stir together tomato puree, two teaspoons of basil, one teaspoon of parsley, half a teaspoon of oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer; cook, stirring periodically, for about 2 minutes or until sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and reserve. |
Step 2 | For five minutes, heat an air fryer to 360°F. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Put flour in a small bowl. In another shallow dish, combine the beaten egg and water by whisking until incorporated. In a third shallow dish, combine panko, 1/3 cup Parmesan, the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon basil, 1 teaspoon parsley, and 1 teaspoon oregano. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off excess, and do this only once. Let any extra egg wash run off before dipping. Put the chicken in the panko mixture and coat it thoroughly. On a platter, place the breaded chicken. |
Step 3 | Spray cooking spray on the air fryer basket’s bottom. Put the chicken in the basket spaced approximately 1 inch apart. For 8 minutes, cook. Gently turn the chicken over and cook for about 8 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. Cooking spray should be used to coat the aluminum foil used to line the basket. |
Step 4 | Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan are evenly distributed over the chicken. Return the chicken to the foil-lined basket and cook at 400°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and browned and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. Add more parsley to the chicken’s garnish before serving. |
Tips and Variation
You’ll become addicted as soon as you take a bite of this flavorful, crispy chicken parm. It might be a good idea to prepare extra since your family will gobble it up quickly.
Here are some suggestions for consistently making good air fryer chicken parmesan.
- Check Temperature: When the internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is fully cooked.
- Keep Chicken Thin: The thinner the chicken pieces are, the quicker they will cook through. If you can’t get your slices thin enough, flatten them with a beef tenderizer.
- Add Heat: By including red pepper flakes in your marinara, you can increase the heat on your chicken parm. I adore the little bit of spice it brings!
- Serve With: With veggies and a green salad on the side, I serve my chicken parm over pasta. Additionally, you may include some homemade breadsticks to finish off your Italian-themed evening.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Parmesan?
There is very little probability that you will even have leftovers with such a delicious dinner.
Here’s how to preserve it for an easy-to-prepare supper!
- In the fridge: Your air fryer chicken parm will keep for two to three days in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the longer the marinara sits, the more likely it becomes soggy.
- Reheating: To reheat your chicken parmesan, set your air fryer to 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes. This preserves the crisp outside of the food. Before eating, be sure the food has achieved an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is It Safe to Cook Raw Chicken in An Air Fryer?
You may cook raw chicken in an air fryer, as seen in this recipe. To ensure consistent browning, turn the chicken breast halfway through.
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat it with cooking spray. If you want to make a particularly healthy dish, apply a low-calorie cooking spray. Once your air fryer has reached the proper temperature, add your chicken.
Is It Safe to Use Aluminum Foil in An Air Fryer?
Aluminum foil can be used in an air fryer, but I recommend avoiding it if possible. The foil might obstruct airflow and result in uneven cooking. Only use foil if the recipe specifies it.
The one thing to watch out for is positioning; make sure it’s secure in the basket and use heavy enough material to keep it from drifting about in the air fryer.
Conclusion
- The air fryer is unquestionably a terrific choice for you if you frequently consume fried meals. But an air fryer doesn’t magically transform any food into “healthy” cuisine. The air fryer can be a terrific tool to bring more variety to your cooking if you generally prepare meals in the oven.
- Instead of grated Parmesan cheese, I advise using shredded varieties because they cook more quickly and produce a nicer crust texture.
- You have plenty of time to prepare a side dish to go with this Air Fryer Chicken Parm because it is so quick and simple to create. Serve it over any of our other favorite side dishes or with simple steamed vegetables, spaghetti, or zoodles.