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Air fryer parmesan crusted chicken topped with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce on a white plate with spaghetti.

Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe

Juicy chicken cutlets coated in a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, air fried until golden, then topped with marinara and mozzarella. Includes oven method too!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally, and pounded to an even thickness, if needed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, can substitute panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping

  • 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • oil or cooking spray for brushing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and then season each piece of chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Set up your breading station. Place flour in one bowl. In another bowl, add the beaten eggs and mix it with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan.
  • Working with 1 chicken breast at a time, dredge it in flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and then press it into the breadcrumb mixture so that it sticks. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or shallow dish and repeat this process with the rest of the chicken pieces.
  • Lightly spray or brush the tops of the breaded chicken with oil and then place the chicken in an air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding or overlapping them.
  • Air fry the chicken for 18-22 minutes, gently flipping them using tongs halfway through. Your chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
  • Open the air fryer basket and spoon marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, and then top them evenly with mozzarella cheese.
  • Return the basket to the air fryer and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
  • Let the chicken rest another 2-3 minutes before serving them over spaghetti noodles or with a green salad and a side of homemade marinara sauce or tomato sauce.

Notes

  • Pound chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Let the cutlets rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.
  • Don’t skip the oil spray, it’s the secret to golden crispness.
  • For smaller air fryers, cook in batches to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 2240mgPotassium: 554mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1216IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 361mgIron: 3mg
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